Class
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CDHfflGKT CEPOSfl:
READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
FOR THE HOLY HOUR
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THE MANIFESTATIONS OF
THE DIVINE PRESENCE
REV. FREDERICK A. REUTER
AUTHOR OF "SERMONS FOR CHILDREN'S MASS "
FR. PUSTET & CO.
Printers to the Holy Apostolic See and Congregation op Rites
NEW YORK CINCINNATI
1917
ARTHUR J. SCANLAN, D.D.
Censor.
^Imprimatur*
*JOHN CARDINAL FARLEY,
Archbishop of New York.
New York, May 7, 1917.
Printed in U.S.A.
All rights reserved
a 1
NOV 26
1917
Copyright, 1917
in the United States and Great Britain
by Fr. Pustet & Co.
New York and Cincinnati
©CI.A477725
TO THE VERY REVEREND
MONSIGNOR LUKE J. EVERS
RECTOR OF ST. ANDREW* S CHURCH, NEW YORK CITY
WHOSE ZEAL FOR OUR EUCHARISTIC LORD HAS MANIFESTED
ITSELF IN ESTABLISHING FOR BUSY MEN AND WOMEN
A NOON-DAY HOLY HOUR;
A NOON-DAY MASS DURING LENT AND NOVEMBER)
AND A SUNDAY — " MIDNIGHT MASS "
FOR PRINTERS AND NIGHT WORKERS,
THIS VOLUME
AS A TOKEN OF ESTEEM OF A MOST WORTHY PRIEST
OF GOD IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED BY
THE AUTHOR
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CONTENTS
PAGE
Introduction ix
Note xi
Prayer 1
First Reading and Reflection 3
Second Reading and Reflection 12
Third Reading and Reflection . 20
Fourth Reading and Reflection 29
Fifth Reading and Reflection 39
Sixth Reading and Reflection 49
Seventh Reading and Reflection 57
Eighth Reading and Reflection 66
Ninth Reading and Reflection 76
Tenth Reading and Reflection 85
Eleventh Reading and Reflection 96
Twelfth Reading and Reflection 107
Thirteenth Reading and Reflection 120
Fourteenth Reading and Reflection . 131
Fifteenth Reading and Reflection 142
Sixteenth Reading and Reflection 151
Seventeenth Reading and Reflection 160
Eighteenth Reading and Reflection 169
Nineteenth Reading and Reflection 179
Twentieth Reading and Reflection 187
Twenty-first Reading and Reflection 196
Twenty-second Reading and Reflection 205
Twenty-third Reading and Reflection 215
Twenty-fourth Reading and Reflection 225
Twenty-fifth Reading and Reflection ....... 234
Twenty-sixth Reading and Reflection 243
Twenty-seventh Reading and Reflection 252
Twenty-eighth Reading and Reflection 261
viii CONTENTS
Twenty-ninth Reading and Reflection 269
Thirtieth Reading and Reflection 278
Thirty-first Reading and Reflection 287
Thirty-second Reading and Reflection 296
Thirty-third Reading and Reflection 305
Thirty-fourth Reading and Reflection 314
Thirty-fifth Reading and Reflection 323
Thirty-sixth Reading and Reflection 333
Thirty-seventh Reading and Reflection 345
Thirty-eighth Reading and Reflection 354
Thirty-ninth Reading and Reflection 363
Fortieth Reading and Reflection 372
Forty-first Reading and Reflection 382
Forty-second Reading and Reflection 391
Forty-third Reading and Reflection 401
Forty-fourth Reading and Reflection 409
Forty-fifth Reading and Reflection 420
Forty-sixth Reading and Reflection 429
Forty-seventh Reading and Reflection 439
Forty-eighth Reading and Reflection 445
Forty-ninth Reading and Reflection - 452
Fiftieth Reading and Reflection 460
Fifty-first Reading and Reflection 466
Fifty-second Reading and Reflection 472
Prayer for a happy Death 480
Solemn Ceremonies of the Holy Hour 481
INTRODUCTION
OF late years there has been a wonderful
spread of devotion to the Blessed
Sacrament of the altar among the faithful;
there has been witnessed a happy rivalry
between the clergy and the laity in their
efforts to extend to our divine Lord in His
Sacrament of Love every token of the deepest
love and veneration. Next to the intimate
union of our souls with the beloved Jesus in
Holy Communion, the piety of the devout
Christian has found another method by
which he can approach his Lord in the Holy
Eucharist, namely the Holy Hour. This
beautiful service was suggested by real faith
and burning love, of Adoration, Thanks-
giving, and Reparation. The various Eucha-
ristic Associations and Tabernacle Societies
have introduced into parishes the weekly or
monthly Holy Hour.
X
INTRODUCTION
This little book goes forth, in a very humble
way, to join the many other Eucharistic
gems that are placed at our disposal to
enhance the Holy Hour. These readings of
the Manifestations of the Real Presence,
taken from Christian authors of learning
and piety, are intended to rouse the luke-
warm, to bring sinners back to God, to
inflame the pious with more ardent love for
Jesus Christ, and to cause the unbeliever to
reflect on the truths of our holy religion.
In compiling this work the author hereby
wishes to express his gratitude to Rev.
Father F. Gaudet, S.S.S., Editor of the
" Sentinel of the Blessed Sacrament/' also to
the publishers of " Tabernacle and Purga-
tory" magazine, and the Rev. Francis
Xavier Lasance for valuable suggestions.
One word more. I pray the pious persons
who will read this little book to have the
goodness to remember me sometimes in their
fervent communions, so that seated at the
same table in this life, we may meet each
other again in heaven. The Author
NOTE
GOD in His goodness has frequently
given to His children glimpses of His
Divine Presence among them. Mere words
can add nothing to the beauty of these
manifestations which are themselves only
the shadows of His invisible majesty, yet
language will serve to bring into the lives
of many the influence of these miracles which
they themselves have not been privileged to
witness. If unbelievers will not accept these
miracles it is because they do not understand
the far more wondrous love which induced
the Creator to produce them.
Miracles have been permitted by God,
in order that some special Providence with
regard to His honor may be accomplished.
In cases where the consecrated Host has
been elevated in the air on the occasion of
sacrilege or danger, the ministry of angels
may be admitted.
Those who believe that God dwells cor-
poreally amongst us, will accept the legends
xii
NOTE
in this book on the same evidence which
makes the facts of history worthy of belief.
The words of God display His Almighty
Power even more so than His wonderful
deeds, which will always be eloquent of
Divine Truth and Love.
Our fathers in the faith found no difficulty
in God's miracles, especially when those
miracles were performed by means of the
Blessed Sacrament. The learned Bossuet
said: "Why do people wish to make it
so laborious for the Almighty to work
miracles?" "The bad/' says St. Alphonsus,
"are as ready to ridicule miracles as the
good are to believe them"; and, he adds,
"we believe the testimony of a Tacitus, a
Suetonius, and can we deny it without pre-
sumption to Christian authors of learning
and piety?" There is less risk in believing
and receiving what is related with some
probability by honest persons, especially
when that which is related serves for the
edification of our neighbor and has not
been rejected by the learned, than there is
in rejecting it with a disdainful spirit.
St. Augustine admirably says, "When a
miracle, however striking it may be, is made
known, in the very place in which it hap-
NOTE
xiii
pened, and by witnesses, it is at times dis-
believed, because of man's incredulity and
pride. Nevertheless, the fact is none the
less true." " Though an approval of Catho-
lic faith be denied them (miracles), " says
Benedict XIV, "yet they deserve a human
acquiescence according to the rules of dis-
cretion by which they are in all probability
worthy of belief."
What is now often considered impossible
was believed in the Ages of Faith, when the
world was more worthy of the miracles
which God was pleased to perform in it —
when the angels and the saints of heaven
loved to converse with a simple-hearted and
innocent people, whose life spent in the
sunshine of God's approval was divided
between humble labor and the practice of
holiness.
The Reflections contained in Manifesta-
tions of the Real Presence consist of a collec-
tion of passages from the Fathers and
Doctors of the Church, each of which has
won a place here by the beauty of its diction
or the truth it teaches. The thoughts and
words of the saints are as pearls, whose
manifold gleams adorn the Venerable Mys-
tery; the truth of the Mystery itself is the
xiv
NOTE
light which gives them their radiance. The
fervent language of the holy Fathers cannot
but enliven the faith and inflame the devotion
of Catholics.
No one who has experienced the sweetness,
the peace, the joy that comes from union
with the Sacred Humanity of Jesus Christ
in Holy Communion will find anything
difficult of belief in the legends that follow.
READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
FOR THE HOLY HOUR
Praper taken from an
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tbere is life in me let me lose mg place tbere,
anb after beatb map 3 bibe tbere. amen.
jFttfift Keatung anti Reflection
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Legenda
AMONG the writings of St. Arsenius,
we find the following account of an
old man who had no faith in the doctrine
of the Real Presence. Though an unbeliever
himself, he had two fervent Christian friends
who were imbued with an ardent devotion
to the Blessed Sacrament. Long and
earnestly did they endeavor to make him
a member of the one true Church, yet
despite the fact that he was willing to be
instructed his spirit of unbelief remained.
Finally they proposed that he should
unite with them in prayer during the space
of a week, that God might enlighten his
mind to know and acknowledge the truth.
And in His infinite Mercy, God deigned to
listen to their petitions.
4 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
While they were assisting at Holy Mass the
following Sunday, they saw the Host trans-
formed into a beautiful child, and as the
priest broke the sacred particle, they observed
blood dripping into the chalice.
The time approached for the old man to
receive Holy Communion. What was his
amazement when raising his eyes to gaze
at the sacred species, he noticed — not the
familiar bread and wine, but real flesh and
blood! In deep humility he cried out:
"0 Lord, I believe — I believe firmly that
Thou art really present on the altar under
these lowly appearances." No sooner had
he uttered these words when the Host
resumed its usual color, and the now staunch
believer received our Lord most worthily.
His friends, overjoyed at his new profession
of faith, afterwards assured him: "God
understands that human beings would with-
draw from living flesh; therefore, He gives
Himself to the faithful under the pleasing
appearance of bread and wine!" 1
1 Miracles Eucharistiques, by Very Rev. Pere Couet,
S.S.S.; Acta S. Sanctorum. His Life, by St. Theodore the
Studite. Blessed Sacrament Sentinel Vol. XVII No. 12.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 5
The feast of Corpus Christi was not cele-
brated in the early days of the Church. In
the primitive ages of the Church we find
no traces of the feast of Corpus Christi.
God himself indicated that the celebration
of Corpus Christi would be acceptable to
Him, and as He chooses that which is foolish
in the eyes of the world in order to confound
the wise, His wisdom here also pursued
the same course. The first circumstance
which led to the celebration of the feast of
Corpus Christi was a vision granted to the
Blessed Juliana, a nun of Liege. Her de-
votion to the Blessed Sacrament grew with
her from the day she was admitted into the
cloister. On the day when she communi-
cated she withdrew from all intercourse with
others, and spent her whole time in prayer
and meditation. At the elevation she would
fall prostrate, while her whole appearance
indicated the interior love of her heart.
Being one day engaged in contemplation,
she saw in spirit a vision of the moon at its
full, a dark spot in which disfigured the clear
shining thereof. After much prayer and
fasting she was enlightened as to the mean-
ing and signification of this apparition.
God revealed to her that the moon repre-
6 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
sented the Catholic Church, and that the
dark spot signified the want of a special
feast in honor of the Blessed Eucharist. At
the same time she received the command
that she should induce the authorities of
the Church to institute such a feast, in
order that by a public and solemn adoration
the insults offered to the Blessed Sacrament
might be atoned for. The humble virgin
was terrified at such a command, for she
deemed herself unworthy. For a long time
she did not dare communicate to others the
revelation she had received, till finally, after
much prayer, being convinced of the truth,
she could no longer resist the promptings of
her heart. In the year 1230 she disclosed
the apparition to a few men equally re-
nowned for piety and learning. These men
declared the apparition to be of God, and
induced Robert, Bishop of Liege, to insti-
tute in his diocese a feast of the adoration of
the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.
In the year 1246 Bishop Robert issued a
command that every year, on the fourth day
after the feast of the Most Holy Trinity, the
feast of Corpus Christi should be celebrated
in all the churches within the diocese of
Liege. After his death Hugh, the former
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 7
Provincial of the Dominicans, who was al-
ready acquainted with the visions of Juliana,
and had been created a Cardinal and Legate
at Liege, found there the feast as it had been
established by Robert; and conceiving a great
devotion for it, he not only preached in its
favor, but commanded the celebration in the
entire district of his legation. The same course
was continued by his successor, Peter Capoch.
Several bishops following this example, the
feast of Corpus Christi was introduced
into many other countries, especially into
Germany, where it was celebrated with the
greatest solemnity. In the year 1261 James
Pantaleon, Archdeacon of Liege, one of the
first whose voice had decided in favor of the
heavenly vision, was raised to the pontifical
throne under the name of Urban IV. Thus
the new Pope was happy, a few years later,
in being able by a Bull to establish the feast
of Corpus Christi all over the world. This or-
dinance was confirmed by Pope Clement V
in the Council at Vienna, in the year 1311.
Several Pontiffs granted special indulgences
for this feast.
Reflection
When Jesus uttered the touching words,
"It is my delight to be with the children
8 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
of men/' He had in mind the accomplish-
ment of a great work: The small things of
this world were to be transformed into the
sacred; the simple were to be converted into
the wonderful; the weak into the strong.
Nay more, such strength was to be conferred
upon these very small and simple things
that the sanctification of our immortal soul
would hereafter depend upon their reception.
Here in the Sacrament of His love, Jesus,
true God and true Man, conceals Himself
under the appearance of bread and wine.
And it is for that reason alone that we adore
the Holy Sacrament.
"It is my delight to be with the children
of men." Aye, truly, our Lord wishes to
be with us. The love of a friend is proved
by the frequency of his visits to our home, —
by his heartfelt gladness on seeing us, —
and his unsatisfied yearning for us when
we are far away. But can the love of any
friend be compared with the love of the
great and all-holy God? He is in our every
village, town and city, dwelling with us in
the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar, —
a sacrament instituted not merely to give
us grace but to give us God Himself. If
our Blessed Lord surrendered His royal
FOR THE HOLY HOUR
9
magnificence to assume this humble appear-
ance once a year, or even in a lifetime, He
would still have proven that His delight is
to be with us — what then shall we say to
His dwelling continually in our midst?
To His being present in our tabernacles day
and night, yea, every hour and every moment
of our lives? Day after day, His priests
perform the stupendous work of transforming
bread into His sacred body, and wine into
His precious Blood. Thus our Blessed Lord
has so completely exhausted Himself in His
divine Love, that although He is truly God
He still can utter the sorrowful plaint:
"What more could I have done for my
vineyard that I have not done?"
"The Lord be with you," says the priest
to us in the Holy Sacrifice; this wish is
realized in the truest and most wonderful
manner in the Holy Eucharist.
Is He not truly with us, the merciful
Savior imprisoned by His very love in our
tabernacles, He who invites us to visit Him,
who leaves the tabernacle either to bless us,
or to give Himself to us, to repose in our
hearts, to feed us with Himself, to make us
become "flesh of His flesh, and bone of His
bone"?
10 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
This earth is no longer a place of exile,
for we possess here our father and our king.
It is no longer the home of misery and
tears, for He in whom are all the treasures
of grace, and who makes the joy of heaven,
dwells with us. It is no longer a desert,
since here is the fountain of living water
springing unto eternal life. It is no longer
the land which was accursed on the day of
the first sin, since He is there who has taken
away every malediction.
Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist is the
Emmanuel of all the faithful, the Emmanuel
of the child to whom He gives Himself so
willingly, and whom He inundates with so
sweet a joy; of the young man whom He
strengthens by His presence against the
world, the flesh, and the devil; of the man
in ripe manhood with whom He labors in
every good work; of the old man and those
on the bed of death, whom He defends
against the weaknesses of nature and the
fear of death.
My dear Christians, we should make a
return of love to Jesus for His boundless
love of us, in order to appease in some
measure His suffering Heart. In our venera-
tion of the Most Blessed Sacrament, there
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 11
should be some real proof of our love and
we should make of the Holy Hour a solemn
homage of our adoration and reparation.
As we pass His home, whether in the crowded
thoroughfare of a great metropolis or the
shady lane of a sylvan village, let us go in,
if only for a moment, to tell Him that with
all our frailties we are His, — and to offer
Him every thought of our minds, every
pulsation of our hearts in the long stretch
of years still before us, so that united to
Him here in the Blessed Sacrament of His
Love, we may be united to Him throughout
the long ages of eternity, Heart to heart
forevermore!
"May He support us all the day long, till
the shades lengthen, and the evening comes,
and the busy world is hushed, and the fever
of life is over, and our work is done! Then
in His mercy may He give us a safe lodging,
and a holy rest, and peace at the last!"
feeconti IReabmg anti Keflectton
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Legenda
THE illustrious Saint Ignatius, founder of
the famous Jesuit Order, after he had
received the sacred order of Priesthood, re-
solved to pass a year in preparation for the
celebration of his First Mass; and when this
time had expired he still deferred the awful
solemnity from month to month. At length,
at the end of eighteen months, on the Feast
of Christmas, in the chapel of the Crib of
the Infant Jesus, he offered himself in union
with this spotless sacrifice, as a freewill
offering to the service of God. Two years
afterwards he received from Pope Paul III
the ratification of his Society, and he was
chosen by his companions as their first
general.
Saint Ignatius had learned by his own
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 13
experience the marvelous effects of worthy
Communion. He required at least an hour
for the celebration of his Mass, and fre-
quently being in a rapture he would occupy
a much longer time at the Most Holy Sacri-
fice. Father Nicholas Lannoy, who on one
occasion was present at his Mass, observed
at the Memento that a flame of fire hovered
over his head. He was on the point of
hurrying in order to extinguish it, but was
suddenly arrested by the sight of the face
of the Saint, which beamed with divine light,
and the illuminated expression of his eyes,
which appeared to be lost in the contempla-
tion of the Almighty. The ardour of divine
Love, which increased in every Communion,
consumed the Saint to such a degree that it
was not possible for him to say Mass daily.
One Christmas day, after having said the
second Mass, he became so weak that it was
necessary to carry him to his room, as he
was believed to be dying. As he stood at
the altar, the beating of his heart was audi-
ble. A stranger who happened to be present
one day, and perceived the tears he shed,
approached secretly to Father Strada, who
had served the Saint's Mass, and said to
him, "He who has just said Mass must be a
14 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
great sinner. Let us hope that God has
forgiven him. He has wept enough.' '
The room which the Saint occupied was
separated from the church by a partition.
He caused an opening to be made in the wall,
over against the tabernacle, and here he
passed his happiest hours. Saint Ignatius
died with the holy Name of Jesus on his lips
on the 31st of July, 1556.
Gaume, a French author, writing on the
miracle of the Blessed Sacrament, records
a remarkable instance, illustrating how a
doctor of modern times displayed his faith
in the hidden God of the Eucharist.
Aixiong the eminent physicians of Egypt,
Clot Bey held the highest rank. One day,
as he was standing with other doctors on
one of the streets of Marseilles, where he
spent the latter years of his life, it happened
that a priest, bearing the Holy Eucharist
to a dying person, passed along the street.
No sooner did the doctor notice the man of
God and his precious burden, than he
quickly uncovered his head and bowed
towards the ground in an attitude of homage.
To the query of one of the younger com-
panions who asked him the cause of his
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 15
adoring posture, he responded: "Do you
not see Jesus? Jesus in the Most Blessed
Sacrament is passing by." The other, with
a cynical smile, said: "Is it possible, doctor,
that a man of your learning and ability be-
lieves that the great God of Heaven could
be contained in that tiny Host which the
priest is carrying in his hand?"
"Yes," replied the physician, "it is pre-
cisely the crowning glory of my learning
that I do believe it firmly. You people who
speak of God's greatness realize His power,
— but have you ever heard of His love?"
A sublime answer, indeed, full of hidden
meaning. Whether the young inquirer ac-
knowledged thereafter any belief or not, the
doctor had surely made the most of his faith
in the Most Blessed Sacrament.
St. Hedwig, the wife of Henry, Duke of
Silesia, and the mother of his six children,
led a humble, austere, and most holy life
amidst all the pomp of royal state. Devotion
to the Blessed Sacrament was the keynote
of her life. Her valued privilege was to
supply the bread and wine for the Sacred
Mysteries, and she would attend each morn-
ing as many Masses as were celebrated.
16 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
St. Hedwig is honored as the Patroness
of Silesia.
Reflection
Strengthened by this heavenly food, St.
Lawrence braved the flames; St. Vincent,
the rack; St. Sebastian, the shower of
arrows; St. Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch,
the fury of the lions; and many other martyrs
suffered every torture which the malice of
the devil could invent, content only if they
could but return their Savior love for love,
life for life, death for death. They embraced
the very instruments of their tortures: yea,
they even exulted and glorified in them.
Now this was the effect of the Holy Eucharist;
this life-giving bread imparted to them the
courage and joy which they manifested in
the face of every conceivable pain and trial.
For this very reason, in the early persecu-
tions, all Christians, in order to be prepared
for martyrdom, received the Blessed Sacra-
ment every day; even carrying the Sacred
Host to their homes that they might com-
municate in the early morning. Mary,
Queen of Scots, during her captivity prepared
for execution in the same way.
The holy and adorable mystery of the
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 17
Eucharist is one of the most extraordinary
proofs of God's love for man, and an abridg-
ment, as it were, of all the wonders He has
wrought in our favor. If feelings such as
these animated and strengthened the early
Christians, to suffer courageously the terrible
persecutions to which they were subjected,
surely the angels in heaven might well have
envied them. Nothing can confer a greater
dignity on the children of the true faith
than the legacy of this " supersubstantial
bread' ' with which their heavenly Father
is pleased to nourish them. In this mystery,
the faithful soul is wedded to its celestial
Spouse by a most intimate and inconceivable
union; heaven is united to earth, and God
to man. In the Eucharist, the enraptured
soul is bathed in an ocean of unutterable
sweetness, and amidst all the bitterness of
this life is refreshed with the deepest draughts
of holy joy.
Ceaselessly our Lord pleads our cause from
His home on the altar; ceaselessly He
recommends our feeble prayers to His
heavenly Father. Close as He is to us, yet
He is more hidden than any human friend
who may for years have buried himself in a
bleak desert away from human kind. The
18 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
veil that shrouds the sacred precincts is
never lifted. Enter the Church, day or
night, and it remains ever the same. No
movement, no word, no uttered plea for
companionship, ever tell us, that there in
that little tabernacle Someone is dwelling
and hungering for our society, poor, frail
creatures though we are. Only the brightly
glowing lamp of the Sanctuary reveals the
home of the hidden God. Yet Jesus does
not dwell with us here lifeless or inactive.
In the fullness of His divine activity, He,
the All-powerful Mediator abides, between
Heaven and earth. Our Savior once, in
years long past, He remains our Savior
still, — pleading that all harm be kept from
our lives and all unrighteousness from our
hearts! He awaits our coming, listens to
our petitions, and to our supplication. He
adds His own power as a son in presenting
our prayers to His heavenly Father. Little
wonder that the gifts we receive are mar-
velous, for Jesus is our best Friend.
It is for this end our dear Lord has estab-
lished His dwelling here with us. Not for
His own pleasure is He here, but for our
advantage! What no creature has ever
done, what none could ever do for us, He
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 19
has done — given us Himself whole and
entire! Let us then make some return to
Him. The Holy Hour will be at least a
feeble proof of our gratitude — a little
reminder that we love Him and that, if
home-duties did not prevent our coming,
we would daily pour forth our hearts before
Jesus in the tabernacle, repeating our simple
prayers, over and over, in perhaps the same
simple plainly worded way but with the
good intention of one who loves.
Dear Jesus, we revere You in Your humble
abode. We adore You as our " Bread of
Life." We beg of You to receive us as we are
confident that our poor homage may recom-
pense You, at least in a small degree, for the
insults You so patiently suffer at our hands!
"My heart is ready, 0 God, my heart is
ready! I will sing and give praise with my
glory." Ps. cvii.
" Chained prisoner of love, Divine Jesus!
Chain my poor heart to the foot of Thy
Altars. Dearest Jesus, Thou hast made my
heart for Thyself alone, hide it within Thine
Divine Heart in the Tabernacle!"
"O Sacrament most holy! O Sacrament divine!
All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment
Thine! "
TOtb Keatung and Wittltction
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Legenda
THE venerable Catherine of Jesus was a
discalced nun of the convent of Beatia
in the Province of Granada. Whilst yet in
the world, Catherine was powerfully drawn
to the Divine Redeemer in frequent Com-
munion. In proportion to her desire for
this heavenly food, for which she prepared
herself carefully by penance and acts of
divine Love, were the graces she received.
Once being occupied in the service of her
neighbor, it was late when she arrived at the
church of St. Ann at Seville. The gates
were already closed, and Holy Communion
seemed denied to her that day. Sorrowfully
she went to the parish church, and besought
the parish priest for the love of God to give
her the Blessed Sacrament. The good man,
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 21
who well knew her virtue, hastened to
grant her humble request; but on entering
the church great was his surprise on finding
the tabernacle open, and the candles on the
altar lighted, although no one had been in
the church for many hours. Soon, however,
he perceived that it had been the work of
angels, who in this manner had manifested
how greatly God was pleased with the holy
desire of His servant.
Another time she began very early in the
day to prepare herself for Holy Communion,
when, falling into an ecstasy, it was midday
before she came to herself. At once she
betook herself to the Carmelite Church, but
found the doors closed. In great distress
she turned her steps to another convent,
which was known by the name "Owe dear
Lady of Victories/' praying as she went that
the Lord would provide her with the means
of satisfying her spiritual hunger. Again she
found the doors closed, but at the same
moment a priest accompanied by many
persons arrived, who, without being asked,
opened one of the doors for her. On enter-
ing she perceived at the altar three religious,
vested, and two ministers holding the Com-
munion cloth, who apparently awaited her.
22 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
One of them, in fact, beckoned to her to
approach the altar, and so with great joy
she received the Body of the Lord. On her
return home she again fell into an ecstasy
when it was revealed to her that the minis-
ters of the altar whom she had seen were angels
sent by the Lord to satisfy her holy desire.1
A certain woman who had always provided
Pope St. Gregory with altar breads, began to
entertain doubts about the Real Presence. It
happened one day at the time of Communion
when the Pope was about to administer the
Blessed Sacrament to her, that, after he had
said the usual " Corpus Domini nostri," she
broke out into a most frivolous titter. The
Pope, withdrawing his hand, placed the
Host back on the altar; then, turning
around, he addressed her in the presence of
all the people and commanded her to explain
the cause of her laughter.
Before all assembled, she openly pro-
claimed that she thought it was ridiculous to
call the bread which she brought to the Pope,
the Body of our Lord. St. Gregory at once
prostrated himself on the ground, to pray
1 Ott: Euch., page. 318. P. Franz von der hi. Maria,
Geschichte von Karmel.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 23
for the unbelieving woman. On concluding
his supplications, he took the same Host,
which by the power of God had assumed
the form of a finger, and showed it to the
woman. When the Pope had again prayed
to God in her behalf, the Host resumed its
former shape and he then gave it in Com-
munion to the awe-stricken woman.1
A beautiful legend is related of the Blessed
Imelda of Bologna. She was very young
when she was received in the Order of St.
Dominic, and from her tenderest years had
shown an inexpressable longing to receive
her Lord in Holy Communion. Being but
eleven years of age her confessor withheld
this privilege from her, and continued to
delay her First Communion. Whenever she
saw the Sisters go to partake of the spiritual
Banquet, she wept most bitterly. She was
once complaining aloud to the hidden Lord
and asking Him why she alone was denied
this great happiness, when suddenly one
of the sacred Hosts was seen in the air
hovering directly over her head. Those
near her acknowledged this singular appari-
1 Life of Pope Gregory by Paulus, diacon. Vol. 2, cap.
41; Ott Eucharisticum, page 153.
24 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
tion as a heavenly sign of God's will
permitting her to receive Holy Communion
at once. The priest immediately obeyed
with all devotion; and the active love with
which this child received her Lord for the
first time was so deep, so fervent, that she
sank to the ground, lifeless, her pure soul
taking its flight to heaven to be forever
united to the heavenly Bridegroom.1
In the life of St. Tharsicius, the first
martyr of the Eucharist, we read that one
day some pagan soldiers met him while he
was carrying the Blessed Sacrament to his
home, as was the custom in the early days
of persecution. Immediately the soldiers
seized Tharsicius and threatened to ill-treat
him unless he made known to them what
he was carrying. But the brave boy refused
to betray his trust and was stoned to death.
History tells us that although his persecutors
searched his garments for the hidden treasure
they could find no trace whatever of the
sacred species. Thus, does God sometimes
work miracles in behalf of His Saints.
1Savioli: Annal Bolognesi. Eichsfeld Blatt, No. 18,
1884.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 25
One day St. Francis had some business
engagement with the Viceroy of India.
When the appointed hour arrived, a young
student of the seminary, named Andrew,
sought him in order to remind him of the
time. He found him sitting on a low stool
before the tabernacle, his hands folded across
his breast, and looking upwards. Having
observed him in silence for some moments,
the youth spoke to him, but when the Saint
did not answer, he left, fearing to disturb
him. Two hours later the young man
found him still in the same position and
fearing to leave a duty undischarged called
him again and again until the Saint finally
gave heed to his importunity. When St.
Francis learned of the long time which he
had passed in contemplation, he hastened
with all speed to the palace of the Viceroy.
On his way thither, however, he fell into
another rapture, and remained standing
motionless until nightfall, when coming to
himself, he returned to his dwelling. "My
son," said he to his young disciple, " we must
visit the Viceroy on another day; this day
God has willed to reserve entirely for Him-
self." 1
1 Ott; Eucharisticum, page 286.
26 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
Reflection
In the most Blessed Sacrament of the
Altar, the Catholic Church, obedient to the
teachings of our Divine Lord, tenders Him
the homage which is His due, for nothing
less than divine homage and adoration is a
fitting tribute to the Son of God. Like our
Holy Mother the Church, we, too, should
offer Jesus that special worship which He
justly claims from us, his creatures. Angels
and archangels are His bodyguards in the
celestial kingdom, ever doing His Holy Will,
— yet it was not for them that He lived
and suffered and died: It was for us, simple
as we are. In humble adoration, then, let
us bend our knee before the tabernacle, and
render homage with all our strength to our
hidden God. The Church never ceases in-
viting us to draw near to the sanctuary, —
a special tone of pleading entering into her
voice particularly during the Holy Hour.
Oh, let us not turn a deaf ear to her earnest
solicitation!
Jesus is as near to us now as He was to
the shepherds on the first Christmas night,
as near as He was to St. Peter when that
apostle walked to Him upon the waters,
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 27
as near as to Mary Magdalen as she knelt
at His feet waiting for His word of forgive-
ness. Ah! if we bend the knee at the sound
of Jesus' blessed name, how much more
ought we to lie prostrate before God's altar?
Jesus could have remained with us in all
His infinite power and majesty till the end
of time, striking fear into the hearts of the
erring by the very strength of His appear-
ance, yet what does He do? Out of con-
sideration for His children He remains with
us under the humble appearance of bread,
bearing with our irreverence, our coldness
and contempt and without a single word of
reproof.
Listen, as He says to us from the altar:
" Where your treasure is, there also your
heart will be." He speaks to us in these
words of love: "If I be your treasure, your
heart will ever be with Me in the Holy
Eucharist; and what treasure is there more
precious than this? In the Sacrament of
the Altar I am the delight of the angels,
wonderful honey in the mouth, sweet canticle
to the ear, heavenly nectar to the heart.
In this Sacrament I love, I feed, I strengthen,
I console, I direct, I heal my children.
Those who taste Me are still hungry, those
28 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
who drink Me are still thirsty. 0 taste and
see how sweet I am, and you will desire noth-
ing but Me! Comprehend the height and
depth of My love, and you will consider
Me your greatest treasure, you will give Me
your whole heart."
Ah! Jesus, in the most Blessed Sacrament
of the Altar, fill our hearts with boundless
love that this Sacrament may always be our
delight and that we should be ever ready to
spend ourselves for Thee and Thy service!
"How lovely are Thy tabernacles, 0 Lord
of Hosts! My soul fainteth for the Courts
of the Lord! My heart and my flesh have
rejoiced in the living God!'' Ps. lxxxiii.
"Blessed art Thou, Lord, in the holy
temple of Thy glory, on the throne of Thy
kingdom, bearing the sceptre of Thy dignity.
Blessed art Thou that beholdest the depths,
and sittest upon the cherubim! Blessed
art Thou in the firmament of Heaven!
O ye angels of the Lord, bless the Lord! 0
ye heavens, earth and sea, bless the Lord!
praise and exhalt Him above all forever.' 1
Dan. iii.
jffluttf) Keatung; anU Eeflecttan
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Legenda
ST. EUDOXIA was a native of Samaria
and suffered martyrdom during the per-
secution of the Emperor Trajan. She was
gifted with a clear understanding and great
personal beauty, but unhappily she fell into
evil ways, and in order to give herself more
liberty, Eudoxia removed from Samaria to
Heliopolis, where she became rich. God did
not, however, abandon her. A holy monk,
Germanus, by name, passing through Heli-
opolis, happened to rest for the night at a
house which adjoined that of Eudoxia. At
the usual hour for matins, Germanus arose,
chanted the psalms, and read aloud the de-
scription of the pains of hell and the bliss
30 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
of heaven. The singing of the monk in the
early hours of the morning awoke Eudoxia.
She listened with as much attention as
astonishment to every word of those myste-
rious truths of which until that moment she
had known nothing.
The next morning she sent for Germanus,
and for the first time heard the word of God.
Without hesitation, she corresponded to the
motions of divine grace within her, put her-
self under instruction, and received baptism.
Then, distributing her wealth among the
poor, she retired into a convent, in which
dwelt a community of thirty consecrated
virgins, who led a life of such severe penance
that they were believed to have the gift of
miracles.
Now it came to pass that Diogenes, the
idolatrous and wicked governor of Heliopo-
lis, desired to take as a wife Gelasia, one of
Eudoxia's young converts, whereupon the
girl fled to her in her convent for protection.
Hearing this, Diogenes sent thither a band
of soldiers, with orders to drag Eudoxia
thence. To their surprise she offered no
resistance. But before giving herself up,
she visited the chapel; and, taking one of
the Sacred Particles from the altar of the
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 31
Blessed Sacrament, concealed it in her
bosom. It was night and very dark; but
as they journeyed, there appeared to her a
youth, clothed in white, who accompanied
her all the way, carrying a torch. When
brought before the governor, she formally
confessed herself to be a Christian; and he,
finding that no persuasion could move her to
sacrifice to the gods, ordered her to be
hanged on a high gallows.
Now, in making ready to carry out the
sentence, there fell from the bosom of the
martyr the Sacred Particle which she had
taken from the altar. The executioner, not
knowing what it might be, took it up, and
carried it to the governor; but scarcely had
the wretch put forth his hand to touch it,
when, lo! the sacred Host changed into a
flame of fire, scorching not only the hand of
him who held it, but laying hold of the
shoulder of the governor himself. Howling
with pain, he called in vain upon his idols
for help against the " enchantress" Eudoxia;
for, his body being quickly wrapped in
flames, he fell down dead. Upon witnessing
this astonishing miracle, the family of Di-
ogenes, as well as many soldiers, were con-
verted to the faith. Eudoxia, however, was
32 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
only reserved for a later martyrdom; and
in the year 147 she received by order of
Vincentius, the successor of Diogenes, the
crown she so ardently desired.1
In the life of King Louis of France, we
read that Mass was one day celebrated in
the absence of the king. The words of
consecration had scarcely been pronounced,
when a wonderful prodigy occurred: our
Lord appeared visibly upon the altar, under
the form of a beautiful child. Word was
sent immediately to the king that he might
witness the miracle God was working to
prove His adorable Presence in the Blessed
Sacrament. But Louis remained motion-
less. "I firmly believe already/' he
answered, "that Christ is truly present in
the Holy Eucharist. Christ has said it and
that is enough for me. I do not wish to
lose the merit of my faith by going to see
the miracle." And the holy king remained
in his room content in his belief, — but he
directed those of his courtiers who had the
least doubt in the Real Presence to repair
1 Bollanden, Mart., Tommi; Ott: Euch., page 101.-
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 33
to the church, and witness the wonderful
power of God.1
A gentleman was one day visiting an
hospital which was under the care of the
Sisters of St. Vincent de Paul. He walked
leisurely through the various wards, closely
observing the good sisters' work and passing
favorable comments on all he saw. It
happened that a painful operation was in
progress and the cries of the poor patient
resounded throughout the building. Unable
to stand the strain any longer, the gentleman
hastened to leave the place. Yet the calm,
serene aspect of the sisters in the operating-
room attracted his attention. "How can
these good sisters/' he asked the superioress
as he stood at the door, " remain so coura-
geous, when even I, who have stronger
nerves than they, cannot endure it." "Sir,"
she replied, pointing to the door of the taber-
nacle, "it is there they gain that courage
and strength you so much admire; Jesus
Himself bestows it upon them in the Holy
Eucharist."
The Blessed St. Thomas a Kempis in his
1 His life: Berger and Scholte. Acta Sanctorum.
34 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
legends of Mount St. Agnes relates the
following miraculous interventions regarding
the Real Presence of Jesus in the Most Holy
Sacrament.
"One day, a lay brother of our convent
received Holy Communion at the altar of
St. Agnes. For a long time previous he had
been obliged to walk with the aid of crutches.
After Holy Mass, however, he was so
strengthened by the virtue of Christ and
the help of St. Agnes, that he left his crutches
and with ease returned to his place in the
choir, filled with the greatest joy. One of
the brothers asked him what he had done
and what his prayers were during Holy
Mass. 'I considered/ said he, 'the words
of the gospel, in which St. Luke relates of
Jesus that "all the people sought to touch
Him, for virtue went forth from Him, and
healed them all." Surely, then, I thought,
a firm faith in the virtue of the Most Holy
Sacrament, especially in union wdth the
prayers of the saints, may even now be the
means of healing both spiritual and corporal
maladies.'"
"One day while saying Mass at the altar
of St. Agnes, a brother was severely tempted
to doubt the truth of the sacred mystery.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 35
Full of bitter pain and weeping, he turned
toward Jesus, in the tabernacle, when, lo!
he heard a voice within his soul, saying:
'Believe, as did St. Agnes, St. Cecilia, St.
Barbara, and other virgin saints who suffered
death for Christ's sake, and doubted none of
His words.' When he heard these words,
all doubt at once fled from his mind, and the
temptation vanished. Ever afterwards the
brother repeated these words in all tempta-
tions against faith, saying: ' Believe as did
St. Agnes, and never shalt thou sin against
faith.'"1
Reflection
" Because thou hast seen Me, Thomas,
thou hast believed. Blessed are those who
have not seen and have believed," was the
gentle reproof administered by our Divine
Lord Himself to His incredulous apostle.
How reassuring to us are the words : " Blessed
are those who have not seen and have be-
lieved," for when we adore the most Holy
Sacrament, we adore without seeing the
object of our adoration, — aye, more, without
even wishing to see it. We know full well
that Jesus is present here, subject no more
1 Ott: Eucharisticum, page 265; Bolland, Vol. III.
36 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
to suffering and death, but risen and glorified.
We know it and believe it, though we see it
not, for nothing can be truer than the words
of Christ Himself. At the simple utterance:
"This is My Body; this is My Blood/' we
surrender our poor human reason to the
testimony of the all-holy God. Is that too
much to surrender? Not only do we adore
what we do not see, but we adore the contrary
of what we see. And God is pleased with
this, for in the Old Testament we read how
He praised Abraham because He hoped even
when He had no reason to hope. Surely,
then, our heartfelt adoration of the Blessed
Sacrament must be most meritorious in His
eyes.
Jesus in the Eucharist addresses us when
He says: "Blessed are they who have not
seen and yet have believed. I am invisible
in the Eucharist except to the eye of faith.
This divine virtue, which comes by the sense
of hearing, supplies the deficiency of the
other senses. I have said, that My flesh is
meat and My blood is drink. Now Heaven
and earth shall pass away but My word shall
not pass away. Do not, therefore, presume
to ask, like the unbelieving Jews, how I can
give you My flesh to eat. No word shall be
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 37
impossible with God. I said, Let there be
light and there was light; I spoke and all
things were made; I commanded, and they
were created. I say to you, in the Eucharist,
which is the continuation of the last supper,
' This is My Body/ and will your weak reason
dare to say it is not My Body? I say, ' This
is the chalice of My Blood/ and you will
presume to say it is not the chalice of My
Blood? I add, 'My Body which will be
delivered for you/ and will you assert that
I mean only the figure of My Body? Was it
not My Real Body that was delivered and
broken for you on the cross? I also said,
'My Blood shall be shed for the remission
of sins/ was it not My Real Blood, instead
of only the figure of My Blood, that was
poured out on Calvary? In the Eucharist,
then, I distribute My Real Body that was
crucified, and My Real Blood that was
shed. I, the Eternal Truth, have declared
it so at the most awe-inspiring moment, and
in the most solemn manner. It is your duty
to believe and to adore."
All our happiness here below consists in
meriting heaven, not in enjoying it, — and
merit is the reward of " things unseen" not
of sight. Faith has its joys even in this
38 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
life, because by believing in God although
we do not see Him, we thereby actually
feel Him who surpasseth all knowledge, as
we read in the book of Job.
Beloved Christians, approach the altar
during the Holy Hour, fall upon your knees
and adore your God and Savior really and
truly present thereon. When you reflect
that it is in the Blessed Sacrament that
Jesus most deserves your homage, you must
feel prompted to adore Him unceasingly.
Pray then with unfaltering hearts: "I
believe, 0 Lord; help my unbelief."
"Most adorable Body, I adore Thee with
all the powers of my soul. 0 Lord, who hast
given Thyself entirely to us, grant we may
become entirely Thine."
jFtfti) Ifteatnna; anD Inflection
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Legenda
THE irreligious Count Wittekind, a most
formidable opponent of the Emperor
Charles the Great, was at one time a prisoner
of war in the enemy's ranks. One day
desirous of personally inspecting the camp
of the Emperor, Wittekind disguised himself
as a beggar, thinking that by so doing he
should be able to see more than if he went in
state. It happened that the Easter festival
being near, the Emperor and all his army
were occupied in preparing for their Easter
Communion. Wittekind crossed the river
Oger in his disguise, and mingled with the
crowd of beggars who came to receive the
alms which the Emperor so munificently
dispensed. When the time came for the
40 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
distribution of the alms, Wittekind also
stretched out his hand in order to receive
his portion. Having a crooked finger, he
was recognized by the almoner, and being
asked why he, a prince, should choose to
take his place among beggars, Wittekind
made no reply, but merely requested to be
taken to the Emperor. This was on Easter
day itself. The Emperor received him with
the greatest friendliness, and merely asked
him why he was not dressed in a manner
more suitable to his state. "I thought,"
he replied, "to penetrate into your camp
more easily in order that I might see every-
thing." "And what hast thou seen?" in-
quired Charlemagne.
Whereupon Wittekind replied: "Two days
ago, Emperor, I perceived that you looked
morose and downcast, and I could not
understand how anything could cause grief
to such a sovereign as you. (As the day
designated was Good Friday, the Emperor
had been filled with sorrow at the remem-
brance of our Savior's sufferings.) Yester-
day you still seemed sad and thoughtful;
but to-day I was astonished beyond all
measure to see your face beam with joy as
you received from the richly vested priest
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 41
a Host in the form of a beautiful infant.
The child seemed to smile as the minister
of God approached some, while others were
met with a frown. What all this means, I
cannot understand. " The Emperor replied:
" Wittekind, you have received a great grace.
God has manifested to you what He has
hidden from us, — yea, hidden even from
the priests of His Church. " The good
Emperor had the count instructed in the
mysteries of the Blessed Sacrament. Witte-
kind besought the Emperor to give him a
priest, in order that the Holy Sacrifice might
frequently be offered in his presence, and the
Emperor promised to send him even a bishop
if he would give the prelate a suitable resi-
dence. Then Wittekind offered the ecclesi-
astic his fortress on the Weser, in which he
said there was room enough for himself and
the bishop too. The castle was called
"Mein und Dein" (mine and thine, whence
later on the name Minden, which is still in
vogue), because Wittekind possessed it in
common with the bishop. From that time
a perpetual peace was maintained between
Charlemagne and Wittekind. The latter
faithfully served the Lord whom he had so
wonderfully learned to know, died happily
42 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
in the year 807 and was buried at Minden in
the church which he had built.1
The author of the " Following of Christ' '
gives an account of a man who was strongly
tempted to disbelieve in the Blessed Sacra-
ment. One day during the Holy Sacrifice of
the Mass, this doubter asked God most
fervently to strengthen his faith in the Holy
Eucharist. His petition did not go un-
answered, for the Lord appeared to him in
the sacred Host as a beautiful child. Return-
ing thanks to God for this saving grace,
the man never afterwards doubted the Real
Presence. The good priest at the altar
was not aware of the miracle, nor was there
any need for him to see, strong in grace and
faith as he was. God only vouchsafed this
miracle for the unbelieving man.2
In Amsterdam, a church was once set on
fire, and among those present was an old
man, who rushed boldly into the flames to
remove the Blessed Sacrament. Immedi-
iBolland: Jan'y 7, 1850. Ott: Euch., page 159.
Tillemand: Lib. I collat., cap. I ex Hist. Eccl.
2 Rodriguez : Christian Perfection, Vol. I, 357. Les
Merveilles divines, Gaulie.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 43
ately the flames divided before him, leaving
a passage to the high altar. After taking
down the Blessed Sacrament he carried it
away without receiving the slightest injury.
A painting representing this miraculous
occurrence can still be seen in the church
where it occurred.
One day when St. Mechtilde had received
Holy Communion after contemplating the
Sacred Passion of Our Lord, He said to her:
"Wouldst thou see in what manner I am in
thee and thou in Me?" But she held her
peace, considering herself unworthy. In the
same moment she saw the Lord under the
form of a transparent crystal, and her own
soul like clear sparkling water flowing through
the Body of Christ. As she marvelled
greatly at the unspeakable goodness of God
towards her, the Lord said: " Remember
that which the Apostle Paul hath written:
'I am the least of the Apostles . . . but
through the grace of God I am what I am.'
Thou also in thyself art nothing, but what-
soever thou art, that through My grace art
thou in Me."
44 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
On another occasion when about to com-
municate she said to the Lord: "Write my
name in Thy Heart and thereupon it
seemed to her as though the Lord bore
certain golden letters on His breast, which
were adorned with seven precious stones;
and she saw the first letter of her name, and
understood the signification thereof, after
which when she sought for the names of some
wliom she had recommended in her prayers,
she found the first letter of their names also,
adorned with the seven precious stones.
(The first of these represented purity of
heart; the second, steady contemplation of
the Consecration; the third, humility; the
fourth, increase in good work; the fifth,
patience; the sixth, hope; the seventh,
Divine Charity.) She understood therefore
that one who would worthily communicate
must be adorned with these seven jewels.
Reflection
Our Lord and God dwells night and day
upon our altars, under the humble form of
bread. What marvelous poverty does He
not display in this Sacrament! Poorer than
He was in the crib, where He at least retained
His human form, He has here hidden both
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 45
His divinity and His humanity. Divesting
himself of even the appearance of life, the
Author of all life remains in a condition that
seems to indicate death. A living body is
here, yet there is no indication of life. The
God of heaven and earth confines Himself
within the limits of this motionless form!
And what consequences does this not often
bring to the Blessed Lord! Insults and
profanations become the almost daily return
of His rebellious creatures as a result of His
very condescension, and yet, although in the
Holy Eucharist He retains the full possession
of His infinite omnipotence, the Prisoner of
the tabernacle betrays not even the slightest
sign of His displeasure. He is content to
endure this unutterable poverty in order to
be with us.
Our Lord speaks to us by the mouth of
His prophet: "It is thus that I am wounded
even in the house of those who love me."
And as we draw nearer to the tabernacle
we seem to hear Him say: "In the Eu-
charist I am still humbled for sinners,
undergoing many more humiliations than
the poverty of Bethlehem together with the
anguish of Calvary. In my humble state
at Bethlehem I even received more consola-
46 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
tions than which are denied Me now, the
very angels sang My praises, a brilliant star
pointed out My abode and I was adored
by Joseph and Mary, by the humble shep-
herds and the sages of the East. In the
Eucharist, I am born again and My adorable
incarnation is renewed and perpetuated. I
am placed in another Bethlehem where all
is poverty and humiliation, where, having
myself divested of all splendor, I descend
from the glory in which I reigned with My
Father and conceal it all under the appear-
ance of bread and wine. Even amidst the
ignominy of the cross all nature went in
mourning for Me, and acknowledged Me
to be its God ever, My very enemies con-
fessing that I was 'truly the Son of God/
but in the Eucharist I suffer the most
unheard-of outrages, and I suffer them in
silence. I am exposed to continued in-
sults; and turned into mockery. Heretics
deride Me, wicked children of the true faith
desert Me, insult Me, receive Me into their
polluted hearts, and yet under these new
insults nature does not mourn, the earth
is not darkened, the rocks are not rent
asunder, the graves do not send forth
their dead. 0 faithful soul, wilt thou
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 47
not make some reparation to My wounded
heart that thus suffers so much for thee?"
Indeed we should be filled with holy sad-
ness, at the remembrance of the offences
of man towards the adorable Eucharist.
Prostrate before the altar let us deplore the
sacrileges committed towards the Blessed
Sacrament in the Church, and implore God's
mercy. Let us shed our tears in the presence
of God dwelling with us, He whose love is
so shamefully outraged. True love strives
to offer compensation for the injustice
suffered by one beloved. Let us, then,
show that we have a true love for Jesus
Christ. Let us adore Him with all the
powers of our being, accepting with resigna-
tion the sufferings of our lives, and let
us offer these sufferings to Him with the
intention of repairing in part at least the
outrages He receives from men in His
Sacrament of Love.
"0 Jesus, unknown Love, Divine Savior,
Who continuest Thy passion in the most
Holy Sacrament, behold us at Thy feet
endeavoring in our own weak way to make
amends for the outrages of men, so many
of whom, alas, have repaid Thy kindness
with black ingratitude."
48 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
O Jesus, loving with an inexhaustible love
the souls Thou hast redeemed, can we ever
show our gratitude to Thee for all Thy
heavenly favors? At least during the Holy
Hour we can give Thee some proof of our
attachment, some token of our love for
Thee. We deplore the conduct of so many
so-called Christians who neglect this oppor-
tunity of rendering Thee due homage, — ■
but have we ourselves never been guilty of
the same lukewarmness? It would ill be-
come us to criticize others, dear Lord, since
there is so much matter for condemnation
within our own selfish hearts. Thou exhibit-
est such poverty in this Sacrament of Love,
and we are hardly satisfied with the best
that life can offer us.
"O Jesus, hidden Majesty, let us learn a
lesson from Thee. Let us desire all through
life to be content with the least, provided
only that this may conduce the more to
Thy honor and glory. "
"A fainting hath taken hold of me, on
account of sinners who offend Thee, O Lord."
Ps. cxviii.
I^tstj) fUa&tng an& ISittltttion
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Legenda
SAINT DOMINIC was one of the most
fervent lovers of Jesus and Mary who
ever lived, and he was also the well beloved
of the angels. He received at their hands
all kinds of help during those long watches
of the night which he spent prostrate at the
foot of the holy altar, pouring forth the
affections and longings of his heart without
restraint in presence of his good Master in
the Most Holy Sacrament, and invoking
with tears the protection of the Blessed
Virgin. However wearied he might be,
while he was journeying on the road, he
was never tired of watching whole nights in
prayer, and used his utmost endeavors that
it should be before the Adorable Eucharist.
The angels, enraptured with his indefatigable
love, associated themselves with him. The
50 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
spirits of heaven took pleasure in accompany-
ing this heavenly man. They were seen to
bring lights, and take them to the room into
which he had retired; open first the doors
of the house and then of the church, whither
they conducted him; and afterwards, when
the time was come, they escorted him back
in the same manner. The servants of a
bishop with whom he lodged, having ob-
served this marvel, mentioned it to the prel-
ate, who watched the holy man about the
time when the prodigy used to occur, and
had the consolation of witnessing it, be-
holding with admiration the goodness of the
heavenly spirits to men.1
When, in the year 871, the Danes in-
vaded England, King Ethelred went with a
small army to meet them. But trusting
more in the protection and assistance of
God than in the valor of the army, he went
first to hear Mass. While assisting at the
Holy Sacrifice, messengers came to tell him
that the Danes were quite near, and that
he must prepare immediately for battle;
but he answered that he would not go until
he had received Holy Communion. So he
1 Boudon, Dev. to the nine Choirs, page 49.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 51
stayed in church till Mass was ended, and
went forth with a lion's courage to attack
his enemies. The Lord of armies was with
him, and thus after a short conflict, the pious
king succeeded in putting the enemies of his
kingdom to a shameful flight.1
On the 24th of May, 1608, a fire broke
out in one of the chapels of the abbey church
of our Lady of Faverney, in the diocese of
Besangon, France, destroying the portable
altar which had been used in one of the
processions on that day. The altar linen,
all the decorations, and even the very
predella of the altar were soon reduced to
ashes. Only the monstrance which con-
tained the two consecrated Hosts remained
intact, for, by miraculous intervention, it
was seen suspended in the air for thirty-
three hours, to the astonishment of more
than 10,000 persons who came to witness
the miracle.
It happened that a pastor from a neigh-
boring town arrived to celebrate Mass. The
elevation over, the monstrance lowered it-
self and rested on the corporal placed there
for the purpose. It was then carried by
1 Baronius.
52 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
the priest to the high altar. Fifty of the
most prominent citizens of the town gave
a written testimony of this stupendous
occurrence, while the Bishop of Besangon,
after thoroughly investigating the case,
openly declared the miracle authentic.
One of the miraculous Hosts was carried
to the church at Dolce, where it was received
with great pomp. The people unani-
mously resolved to have a celebration every
year, in which the most Holy Host would be
borne in triumphal procession for the adora-
tion of the faithful.1
"The Lover of the Blessed Sacrament,"
such was the title the Blessed Benedict
Joseph Labre merited for himself. Whilst in
Rome he visited all the churches in turn,
because they were the dwelling-places of
Him who was his All in all — his well-beloved
Jesus.
When the All-Holy was exposed, especially
on the occasion of the Adoration of the Forty
Hours, he knew not how to tear himself
away from his Savior in the Most Holy
Sacrament, and people who would speak of
him, not knowing what name to call him,
1 Ott: Euch., page 416. Les Merveiiles divines, 1865.
The Catholic Encyclopedia, VII, page 493.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 53
would style him the "Poor man of the Forty
Hours' Adoration. " His demeanor before
the Most Holy Sacrament was so devout, his
body, his head, and his eyes, which were ever
fixed on our Lord, were so motionless, that
in the process of his canonization it was
said of him that he used to resemble a statue;
also, that it appeared to some that an adoring
angel rather than a praying man was then
wrapt in contemplation. In the presence
of his beloved Savior the interior fire of his
heart shone forth in his illuminated face,
to the astonishment of everyone who observed
him; for when he was not engaged in prayer
it was colorless as a corpse, yet when before
the Blessed Sacrament it was tinged with a
roseate hue and he became altogether insen-
sible to outer things. In this situation he
would often remain in adoration for five or
six hours; yes, even for a whole day, without
giving the slightest nourishment to his
emaciated body. One who saw him in the
church of St. Anne from the early morning
until sunset kneeling motionless in the atti-
tude of the deepest rapture before the Most
Holy Sacrament, on one occasion of the Forty
Hours' Exposition, was filled with the greatest
amazement. His astonishment was so great
54 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
that he called the attention of all the brethren
of the Confraternity of the Adoration of the
Blessed Sacrament to the fact, and he main-
tamed that the same thing might be remarked
of Benedict in the other churches when the
Blessed Sacrament was exposed for adoration.
One day, as he was praying in the church
of Sta. Maria in Via Lata, towards midday,
when no one was in the church, he permitted
his sighs and loving aspirations to have free
course. There were, however, two priests
in the choir, which was entirely separated
from the chapel of the Blessed Sacrament,
in which Benedict was praying. Xow, when
they heard these deep sighs, urged by a pious
curiosity they approached the spot without
noise, and then they perceived Benedict
before the tabernacle, with outspread arms
in the form of a cross, heaving such loving
sighs that it was clearly perceptible how full
his heart was of divine love. The priests
left him with sorrow, at the same time that
they united their own prayers with those of
the poor beggar-man.
It was the same when he assisted at Holy
Mass. Daily he was present at many with
the greatest attention and devotion.
In order to prepare himself for the end,
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 55
which at length he perceived to be ap-
proaching, he began with greater fervor
than ever to seek the sacrament of Penance
and that of the Holy Altar. Two days
before his death he communicated in the
church of St. Ignatius, at the altar of St.
Aloysius, with so great desire that the cele-
brating priest declared he had never felt such
deep contrition himself, nor yet such inward
consolation, as when he remarked the bright
glow on the face of this servant of God. 1
Reflection
Have you ever considered what a long and
wearisome road our Blessed Lord had to
journey over ere He could give Himself to
us in the Holy Eucharist? Ask our Holy
Faith to enlighten you and you will receive
the answer: He had to live, to suffer, and
to die!
His divine glory and majesty had to be
sacrificed that He might be born in a
stable; that he might dwell as a poor car-
penter in Nazareth, toiling and laboring till
His thirtieth year; that for three years He
might go about Judea, poor and shelterless,
enduring heat and cold, hunger, and thirst;
1 Merveilles Divines dans la S. Eucharistie, 1.
56 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
that He might be hated, calumniated, perse-
cuted and, lastly, put to a cruel death!
Thus the Blessed Sacrament is not merely
the fruit of the life of Jesus; it is rather the
fruit of His bitter passion and death. 0 ! who
ever heard of love like this?
"I was in the world, and the world was
made by Me, and the world knew Me not.
I came unto My own, and My own received
Me not."
Now during the Holy Hour, it is our
privilege to give a little testimony of our
gratitude to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
Let us greet this hour as one of the most
holy of our lives, and during our visits let
us invite the different choirs of angels and
all our patron saints to the feet of Jesus in
the tabernacle.
"Down in adoration falling,
Lo! the Sacred Host we hail!
Lo! o'er ancient forms departing,
Newer rights of grace prevail;
Faith for all defects supplying,
Where the feeble senses fail/1
&ebent& Kea&mo; anti Kef lection
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Legenda
A CERTAIN Cardinal of Rome was in
the habit of saying Mass every day.
But when his occupations became rather
numerous and pressing, he easily omitted
saying Mass in order to gain more time for
the transaction of temporal affairs. No
sooner had St. Cajetan of Naples, his bosom
friend, learned this than he started without
delay for Rome in spite of the extreme heat
which endangered his life, in order to re-
quest the Cardinal to resume his former
practice of saying Mass daily, and not de-
prive God any longer of so great an honor;
the Blessed Virgin and all the saints, of ex-
cessive joy; sinners of the grace of conver-
sion and forgiveness; the just of many
58 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
actual graces; the souls in purgatory of great
relief in their pains; the Church of her
great strength; and himself of so powerful a
means of salvation and sanctification.
One day Father John Avila, S.J., made a
long journey. Having a great desire to say
Mass, he continued his journey in spite of
extreme fatigue, in order to reach a convent
where he might offer up the Holy Sacrifice.
But at last he felt so overcome with fatigue,
that he gave up all hope of reaching the con-
vent and saying Mass. Suddenly Jesus
Christ appeared to him in the guise of a
pilgrim, and, showing him all His wounds,
said: "When I received these wounds I was
certainly more fatigued than you are now/'
Having said this our Divine Savior dis-
appeared, leaving Father Avila full of cour-
age to continue his journey, until he reached
the convent to say Mass.
One day St. Dominic was saying Mass in
London, England, in presence of the king
and queen and three hundred other persons.
As he was making the memento for the
living, he suddenly became enraptured, re-
maining motionless for the space of a whole
hour. All present were greatly astonished,
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 59
and knew not what to think or make of it.
The king ordered the server to pull the
celebrant's robe, that he might go on with
the Mass. The server attempted to do so,
but became so terribly frightened that he
was unable to comply with the order. After
an hour's time, St. Dominic was able to
continue the Mass, when, wonderful to
relate, at the elevation of the Host, all who
were present saw, instead of the Host in
the hands of the priest, the Holy Infant
Jesus, at sight of which they experienced
great interior joy. Not only that, but, at
the elevation of the chalice, every one saw
above it a cross on which our Lord Jesus
Christ was hanging in a pitiable condition,
shedding His most Sacred Blood. After
Mass St. Dominic ascended the pulpit and
addressed the people in the following man-
ner: "You have all seen with your own eyes
and experienced in your own hearts the
wonderful things Jesus Christ has done in the
Blessed Sacrament. You have seen with
your own eyes, and it has been given to you
to understand, how Jesus Christ, the Savior
of the world and the Son of Mary, has been
pleased to be born anew, and to be again
crucified for you. Now, if there be a spark
60 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
of Divine Love in your hearts, sentiments of
gratitude in honor of this sacred mystery-
ought incessantly to ascend to God from
your hearts." 1
Alphonsus Rodriguez, S.J., in his book,
" Practice of Christian Perfection," 2 relates
the following: "A holy man was one day at
Mass, which was being said by a priest who
was rather worldly. What was his surprise,
at the moment of Communion, to see a
charming child, surrounded by luminous
rays, reposing on the paten in place of the
species of bread! He was more astonished
afterwards, for he saw that when the priest
went to take Communion, the child turned
away his head, struggling with his hands
and feet, as if to prevent the priest from re-
ceiving him into his mouth. The same
saint had several other times the same
vision, which gave him much thought. One
day this priest was conversing with him and
confessed that as often as he received the
Body of our Lord at Mass he had great
trouble in taking it, and knew not how that
1 B. Alamos: Ex. lib. intit., par. 3, cap. 22. Drane:
History of St. Dominic.
2 Eighth Treatise, chap. 13.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 61
could come. The servant of God was very
glad of this confidence; he took occasion to
tell the priest what he had himself seen, and
advised him to make a thorough examina-
tion of his conscience, a good confession, and
change his life. Touched by this kind ad-
monition, and the warning he had received,
the priest applied himself to become more
edifying. Some time after, the holy man
who had warned him, when assisting again
at Mass, perceived the same child between
the hands of the priest, at the time of Holy
Communion, but saw him enter now into
his mouth and his heart joyfully and eagerly,
which proved the sincerity of his conversion.
Father Nascasen, an Armenian friar of
the Order of St. Dominic, was living in his
convent with one companion and was in the
act of saying Mass, at which the other served,
when the Turkish chief with fifty horsemen
rode up to the door, and making his way
into the church just as the Sacred Host was
being elevated, rudely commanded Father
Mathew to come and hold their horses.
Mathew laid the Divine Victim again on the
altar; then, turning round, he begged the
chief to wait till he had finished Mass and
62 READINGS AXD REFLECTIONS
he would do his bidding. The Turks sur-
rounded the altar, cursing and blaspheming,
but did not touch him till he turned to give
the last blessing, when the brutal com-
mander struck his head against the corner
of the altar so violently that his vestments
were dyed in blood. uDog of an infidel," he
exclaimed, "wilt thou leave thy Mass and
serve me?" "I will not leave the service of
God for thine," firmly answered Mathew.
As he said so, his enemy pushed him to his
knees and struck off his head, so that his
blood was sprinkled on the very altar on
which but a moment before he had con-
cluded the Holy Sacrifice, and beneath which
his relics were afterwards interred.
Reflection
In the Blessed Sacrament our Lord does
marvelous things for us. He was not con-
tent with living near us. No, He would come
to us as our very food. With His divinity
and humanity, with His adorable soul and
body, with His flesh and blood, He chooses to
visit our hearts, and oh, how often those
wretched hearts are unworthy to receive
Him! Who could explain the prodigies that
the Lord's omnipotence works in this
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 63
Sacrament? "Who shall declare the powers
of the Lord?" The wonders which were
performed by Jesus during His life were per-
formed in their own time and in their own
particular place, but He renews the prodigies
of the Holy Eucharist every day, every hour,
and in an infinity of places. In the Most
Holy Sacrament He changes the whole sub-
stance of the bread and wine into that of His
body and blood, which reduce themselves to
the narrow limits of the Host, and yet
produce themselves countless times.
In the Most Holy Sacrament He is in-
closed in a little Host, and in each particle
of the Host He preserves the accidents
without their substance, which is changed
by the miracle of transubstantiation. He
is at one and the same time in heaven,
seated at the right hand of His Father, and
on earth in millions of places, always the
same and always entire. These are the daily
miracles of His love for us, without speaking
of several others which He has wrought
from time to time to heighten the glory of
this ineffable mystery. It is here that we
are forced to cry out with St. Thomas:
"My Lord and my God." None but a God
could work such prodigies. None but a
64 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
divine love could trace a plan replete with
so many marvels, in order that he might
unite Himself to us.
Consider how He dwells with us in the
guise of a prisoner and a slave. In that
little tabernacle He submits Himself to a
confinement such as our earthly prisoner
endures. Why then should we not in return
allow Him to make prisoners of our hearts?
Why should we not say with tender gratitude :
"Ah! my Lord, Thou hast done so much
for me, and still Thou waitest through the
long weary years for me to do something
for Thee. Now is my turn. Take my life
and make it Thine forever.'7
Let faith make its canticles of joy resound
forever in the presence of this Sacrament of
love; let charity send up to heaven the
exultations of its happiness; let piety pro-
claim its blessings; let purity pour forth its
songs of triumph and love!
"Sion, lift thy voice and sing;
Praise thy Savior and thy king;
See to-day before thee laid
The living and life-giving bread!
Theme for praise and joy profound!
The same which at the sacred board
Was, by our incarnate God,
Giv'n to His apostles round. "
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 65
"Come, O adorable Host, place Thyself
on my heart as a divine seal which will make
me known as the servant of the Most High,
and will promote my admission into the
heavenly Kingdom."
(EtffStf) Ifteatimg; ana Etflectton
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Legenda
REVEREND FATHER MUELLER,
priest of the Congregation of the Most
Holy Reedemer, in his book, "Triumph of
the Blessed Sacrament, or History of Nicola
Aubry," relates the following miracle:
This miracle was wrought by Jesus Christ
in the Blessed Sacrament at Laon in France
on the eighth of February, 1566. It oc-
curred in the presence of more than a
thousand people; in presence of all the
ecclesiastical and civil authorities of the
citjr, of Protestant and Catholics alike. It
is indeed a remarkable fact that, as the devil
made use of Luther, an apostate monk, to
abolish the Mass and deny the Real Pres-
ence, in like manner God made use of his
arch enemy, the devil, to prove the Real
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 67
Presence. He forced him publicly to pro-
fess his firm belief in it, to confound the
heretics for their disbelief, and acknowledge
himself vanquished by our Lord in the
Blessed Sacrament. For this purpose God
allowed a certain Mme. Nicola Aubry, an
innocent person, to become possessed by
Beelzebub and twenty-nine other evil spirits.
The possession took place on the eighth of
November, 1565, and lasted until the eighth
of February, 1566. Her parents took her to
Father de Motta, a pious priest of Vervins,
in order that he might expel the demon by
the exorcisms of the Church. Father de
Motta had tried several times to expel the
evil spirit by applying the sacred relics of
the Holy Cross, but he could not always
succeed; Satan would not depart. At last,
inspired by the Holy Ghost, he resolved to
expel the devil by means of the Sacrament of
our Lord's Body and Blood. Whilst Nicola
was lying in this state of unnatural lethargy,
Father de Motta placed the Blessed Sacra-
ment upon her lips, and instantly the in-
fernal spell was broken; Nicola was restored
to consciousness, and received Holy Com-
munion with every mark of devotion. As
soon as Nicola had received the Sacred
68 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
Body of our Lord, her face became bright
and beautiful as the face of an angel, and all
who saw her were filled with joy and wonder,
and they blessed God from their inmost
hearts.
Here are some of the incidents previous to
the miracle. On the arrival of the priest
several of the non-Catholics went away —
they had seen more than they wanted.
Others, however, remained, and great was
their terror when they saw how the devil
writhed and howled in agony, as soon as the
Blessed Sacrament was brought near her.
At last the evil spirit departed, leaving
Nicola in the state of unnatural trance.
While she was in this state several of the
preachers tried to open her eyes, but they
found it impossible to do so. The priest
then placed the Blessed Sacrament on
Nicola's lips, and instantly she was re-
stored to consciousness. Reverend Father de
Motta then turned to the astonished ministers
of the gospel, and said: "Go now, ye preach-
ers of the new gospel; go and relate every-
where what you have seen and heard. Do
not deny any longer that our Lord Jesus
Christ is really and truly present in the
Blessed Sacrament of the Altar."
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 69
After Nicola had been completely cured
the people wept for joy and sang hymns of
praise and thanksgiving in honor of God,
and of our dear Lord in the Blessed Sacra-
ment. On all sides were heard the exclama-
tions: "Oh, what a great miracle! Oh,
thank God that I witnessed it! Who is
there now that could doubt of the Real Pres-
ence of our Lord in the Sacrament of the
Altar! " Many a non-Catholic also said:
"I believe now in the Presence of our Lord
in the Blessed Sacrament; I have seen it
with my eyes; I will remain a Calvinist no
longer. Oh, now I can understand what a
good thing is the Holy Sacrifice of the
Mass!"
The Solemn Te Deum was intoned; the
organ pealed forth, and the bells rung a merry
chime. The whole city was filled with joy.1
St. Bonnet, Bishop of Clermont, a great
servant of Mary, betook himself one night
alone to a church in order to give himself
more leisure and devotion to prayer. At
the moment when his affections were most
enkindled, he heard a sweet and ravishing
melody, and soon the whole church was
1 Ott: Euch., Les Merveilles divines dans la Sainte
Euch.
70 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
filled with light. He then saw the Blessed
Virgin enter, accompanied by a great num-
ber of angels and saints, who walked in pro-
cession, chanting the praises of our Lord
and His Holy Mother. Arrived at the altar,
some of them asked who should celebrate
Mass. Mary replied that her well-beloved
Bonnet, bishop of the place, would celebrate.
On hearing these words, the holy prelate
was seized with fear, and so deeply pene-
trated with the sentiment of his unworthi-
ness, that he sought to hide himself, and on
retiring fell against a stone, which miracu-
lously softened and received the impression
of his body. His humility, however, but
rendered him more worthy of the honor
which he fled; he was constrained to obey.
Being conducted to the altar some saints
met him, and he celebrated Mass in the
midst of this glorious assemblage, assisted
and served by the saints. After Mass Mary
gave him a white alb of a material so fine
and delicate that the like was never before
seen on earth. It was afterwards shown as
a very precious relic.1
1 Bolanden, Vol. III.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 71
St. Nicholas of Tolentino was born in answer
to the prayer of a holy mother, and vowed
before his birth to the service of God, he
never lost his baptismal innocence. His
austerities were conspicuous even in the
austere Order — the Hermits of St. Augus-
tine, to which he belonged, and to remon-
strances which were made by his superiors
he only replied, "How can I be said to fast,
while every morning at the altar I receive
my God." He conceived an ardent charity
for the Holy Souls, so near and yet so far
from their Savior; and often after his Mass,
it was revealed to him that the soul for whom
he had offered the Holy Sacrifice had been
admitted to the presence of God. Amidst
his loving labors for God and man, he was
haunted by fear of his own sinfulness.
"The heavens," he said, "are not pure in
the sight of Him whom I serve, how then shall
I, a sinful man, stand before Him?
St. Wenceslaus was educated in the true
faith by his holy grandmother, Ludmilla,
herself a martyr. It was by the efforts of
this holy woman that he imbibed a special
devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. Wen-
72 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
ceslaus ruled his Kingdom as a brave and
pious King, provided for all the needs of his
people, and when his Kingdom was attacked
by his wicked mother and his apostate
brother, he overcame, in a single combat, the
leader of an invading army. In the service
of God he was most constant, and planted
with his own hands the wheat and grapes
for the Holy Mass, at which he never failed
daily to assist. One night whilst praying
before the Tabernacle, he received the death
blow from his treacherous brother.
St. Wenceslaus teaches us that the safest
place to meet the trials of life, or to prepare
for the stroke of death, is before Jesus in
the Blessed Sacrament.
Reflection
We must acknowledge that suffering for
love's sake always solicits compassion and
that the greater the sufferings for the person
beloved, the greater the commiseration.
Hear Jesus pleading from His prison of love:
"I am alone and poor in the Sacrament of
My love. Night and day I dwell among
My children, yet they visit Me not. My
temples are deserted. My altars abandoned.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 73
No one comes to adore his God in the solitude
and poverty to which he is reduced by love.
I am often for whole days, and even weeks
in the tabernacle, and no one comes to adore
Me, not even one faithful heart to pour out
its affections at My feet. I am poor;
dwelling in poverty in ruined and deserted
places, on altars destitute of all ornament.
My body is often consecrated on soiled
linens, and My blood poured into unclean
vessels. There is no abode of wretchedness
and misery upon earth into which I do not
enter, through My love for men. Ah! wilt
thou be so ungrateful as to leave Me in
solitude? Wilt thou desert Me in thy
ingratitude? Wilt thou not frequently visit
Me, and enjoy My holy company? Wilt
thou not relieve My poverty and testify
thy grateful love by decorating My temples
and altars?' '
The offenses committed against our Lord
in the Blessed Sacrament are inexpressibly
great, but the saddest part of it all is that
many of these offenses could be spared Him.
Man's indifference to his lowly state in the
tabernacle, — the Holy Eucharist so much
neglected, so little loved, and so carelessly
adored, is the cause of His greatest sorrow.
74 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
He is sad because we are so ungrateful to
Him, — so heartless in our relations with
Him! During the Holy Hour, let us say
with fervor, "0 dearest Jesus, may Thy
Blessed Mother, together with the angels
and saints, bless Thee in reparation for all
the insults and offenses which Thy ungrate-
ful creatures have committed or ever will
commit against Thee to the end of time/'
Offer this prayer in reparation for the cruel
neglect that Jesus suffers in the Sacrament
of His love; offer it for the sorrow of
the outraged love of Jesus in the Blessed
Sacrament.
Prostrate before Thee, O Redeemer of
men, we ask Thee to permit us during the
Holy Hour to make Thee some reparation
for all the injuries which men daily heap
upon Thee. Divine Jesus, we offer Thee
our hearts to console Thee by this homage
for the guilt of those who will not know
Thee, or knowing Thee will not love Thee.
Bury us deep in Thy Sacred Heart where we
shall find rest from the troubles of this life,
peace at the hour of our death, and happiness
for all eternity.
"Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacra-
ment! Our Lady of the Sacred Heart!
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 75
Mother and Model of all adorers of the
Blessed Sacrament, pray for us who seek
Thy protection."
"The Prisoner of Love
'Tis Thou who reignest, mighty God! in majesty above,
Yet hidest in this holy shrine,
Love's Captive for my sake,
Sweet Jesus, may my heart its home within Thy prison
make."
j£mt|) Iftea&mg; anti nttltttion
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Legenda
IN 1611, Mary Maximilian, sister of
William V, Duke of Bavaria, was taken
sick with acute pain in her breast. The
physicians tried every remedy to procure
some relief for her, but in vain. One day,
the Duke spoke to his sister of the great
wonders wrought by our Lord through a
miraculous Host in the church of Holy Cross
at Augsburg. On hearing an account of
these wonders, Mary conceived great confi-
dence in our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.
She dismissed her physicians and caused
herself to be carried from Munich to the
church of the Holy Cross in Augsburg, where
she asked our Lord in the miraculous Host
to cure her. Her prayer was immediately
granted, and unaided by anyone she rose up
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 77
perfectly cured. To show her gratitude to
our Lord, she had this miracle published in
all the Catholic churches of Bavaria, and
requested the clergy and the people to join
with her in giving thanks to our Lord in the
Blessed Sacrament for her miraculous cure.1
In 1747, a poor man in Augsburg who had
been dumb from his infancy, and was known
by all in the city, prayed several times to
our Lord in the wonderful Host for the gift
of speech but he was apparently unheard.
One day, however, he prayed for the same
favor with more than usual confidence and
with many tears. This time God had mercy
on him and granted his request. Filled with
joy he ran home to make known the miracle
which our Lord had wrought in him. After
the Bishop had sufficiently convinced him-
self of the miraculous fact, he had a solemn
"Te Deum" chanted, and the bells of all
the churches rang out in thanksgiving.
The miraculous Host has often been ex-
amined since, and every new examination
furnishes additional proofs of the Real
^ev. Michael Muller, C.SS.R.: The Holy Mass, page
99. Ott: Euch., page 586.
78 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
Presence. All the bishops of Augsburg to
the present day have venerated and adored
our Lord therein, thus forming a chain of
the most trustworthy witnesses of the great
truth.1
During the reign of King Louis XIV of
France, we read an account about the Most
Holy Eucharist in the Louvre at Paris.
A fire had broken out in one of the gal-
leries which connected the Palace of the
Tuileries wTith that of the Louvre, threaten-
ing a general destruction to all the famous
works of art therein collected. Every effort
to control the devouring element seemed to
be in vain, especially as a storm of wind
fanned the flames to the very height of fury.
Turenne, one of the king's bravest generals,
who was never known to turn aside from any
kind of danger, hurried at once to the scene
of destruction, and proceeded to direct the
men in their efforts to extinguish the flames.
The learned Bishop Bossuet, who happened
to be at the Palace, seeing the imminent
danger, and following a divine impulse,
hastened at once to Him "who commanded
the winds and the wraves, and they obeyed
1 Rev. M. Mueller, C.SS.R. The Holy Mass, page 100.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 79
Him." Hurrying into the chapel of the
palace, he took the ciborium containing the
Most Holy Sacrament, and suddenly ap-
peared with it at the opposite end of the
burning gallery. The men understood the
sound of the little bell, and, separating on
either side with the deepest respect, allowed
the Bishop to pass through the cloud of
smoke which surrounded him. He pro-
nounced a benediction over the flames, and
at once the wind ceased and the fire with-
drew, as in acknowledgment of His presence
who commands the storms. The surround-
ing people, struck by the might and majesty
of the miracle, fell on their knees and intoned
the "Te Deum," while the great Turenne
himself, subdued by the power to which he
no longer offered any resistance, sank to
the ground in adoration.
From that moment Turenne, who had
been a staunch Calvinist, became a Catholic,
joining in the chant of the "Te Deum," as
the Blessed Sacrament was carried back to
the tabernacle. This wonderful occurrence
took place in the year 1667. From the
moment that Turenne learned the truth, he
loved and followed it, putting into practice
the sentiments which he once expressed
80 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
previous to his conversion: "How happy are
Catholics who believe in the Real Presence!
But did they really believe it, would they not
spend their whole lives at the feet of Jesus
in the Blessed Sacrament? For my own
part, were I convinced of the Real Presence
of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, prostrate
in the dust I would adore Him incessantly/ '
From the day of his conversion he was al-
ways known to adore, with the deepest
humility, devotion and faith, our divine
Redeemer present in the Holy Eucharist.1
In the annals of the Propagation of the
Faith, it is related that during the perse-
cution which raged against the Christians
in the kingdom of Tong-Quin, the power
of the Eucharist was strikingly manifested
to the infidels. Though the courageous
martyrs were scourged and their flesh
torn from their bones with red-hot pincers
the Holy Name of Jesus was ever on their
lips. The mandarins, not understanding
the cause of their fortitude and amazed at
their sublime endurance, attributed it to
1 Fastes et Legendes par le Gaulie. Ott: Euch., page
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 81
the Heavenly Food of which the Christians
partook in their gatherings. "This man/'
they would declare, "must have eaten of
that enchanted Bread, which casts a spell
upon the soul."
The saints who are now enjoying in heaven
what they so much loved on earth, how did
they not long for this Bread of Love?
St. Magdalen of Pazzi, from her earliest
youth, felt herself burning with a desire to
be united to her God by Holy Communion.
Too young to receive this favor, she would
draw near to her mother or to any one else
who had the happiness of receiving our
Blessed Lord, and enjoy the greatest delight
in breathing near them the holy odor of the
presence of our Lord. Her confessor, noticing
this remarkable devotion to the Holy Eu-
charist, concluded to anticipate in her regard
the time at which children were permitted to
approach the Holy Table. Magdalen joined
the Carmelite Order solely because she knew
that the religious of that Order went to Com-
munion every day. It was this saint who
sometimes cried out in holy transports: "O
love! love of my God! can it be that love
will not be loved, not even by its own crea-
82 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
tures? 0 my Jesus! why have I not a voice
loud enough to reach the ends of the earth?
I would proclaim everywhere that this love
ought to be known, loved, esteemed as the
only true good, the one only good." 1
Blessed Joanna of the Cross was watching
in the church one Christmas eve. It had
hardly struck twelve, when an irresistible
longing seized her soul for the Blessed Sac-
rament, and she sent her maid to request
her confessor to come and give her Holy
Communion. He answered her summons at
once, and when she had received the body of
the Lord, her usually pale cheeks became
aflame with a heavenly glow.
Reflection
Have we ever considered how much we
contribute to the sorrows of Jesus by leaving
Him so often alone in the Most Holy Sac-
rament? He has left heaven, where, sur-
rounded by myriads of angels, He received
ceaseless adoration, just to be near frail,
mortal man. Why cannot men imitate the
celestial spirits and stay forever near His
altar-throne?
1 Krebes: her Life, 1857. Ott: Euch., page 404.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR
83
To surround Himself by His creatures
therein is His delight and His joy. But He
is forsaken by His children and left lonely
and desolate, — and that is how we solace
Him in His longing! Yet, how easily men
could accede to His wishes and spend at
least a portion of their time in the seclusion of
the sanctuary. Jesus, ever present in the
tabernacle! How this very thought should
make our churches a sweet abiding place for
all! Your loneliness here, my God, is far
greater than it was of old in the desert.
There, at least, living creatures bore you
company, — but here how often is the
feeble light that burns before your taber-
nacle the only companion of#your loneliness!
In many churches its flickering beams are
Your only worshipers in the busy hours of
the day as well as the lonely watches of the
night.
Strange it is that man has time for every-
thing except the adoration of his God, strange
that streets and theaters can ever be crowded,
while the Church of the Most High remains
empty. Weep, then, over Jesus, insulted in
the Sacrament of His love more cruelly than
He was ever insulted on Calvary. Weep
over the negligence and crimes of those who
84 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
offend Him most, though perhaps they
were once His favored friends. Ward off
by your worship the dishonor brought to
bear upon Him in His very temple by
irreverence, profanation, yes, even by
unworthy Communions.
During this Holy Hour, then, let us
resolve to visit our Lord in the tabernacle
oftener, that thereby we may make amends
for those neglected Christians who have
time for every one but for Him. Let us
adore Him with humility and love, seeking
by imposing some little penance upon our-
selves to make reparation for our own as
well as the negligence of others.
"I have loved, 0 Lord, the beauty of Thy
house, and the places where Thy glory
dwelleth. I have walked in my innocence:
Redeem me and have mercy on me. My
foot has stood in the direct way: in the
churches I will bless Thee, 0 Lord."
"0 sweet Jesus, may my heart be a burn-
ing lamp of love before Thy altar."
Cents Ifteairine; ana Reflection
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Legenda
IN the life of St. Bernard of Clairvaux a
miracle is recorded showing the power of
the Real Presence over Satan. St. Bernard
was commissioned by Pope Innocent II to
restore order to the city of Milan, which
had been desolated like the rest of Italy by
the schism of the Antipope Anacletus.
One day, whilst preparing to say Mass in
the Basilica of St. Ambrose, an old woman
was carried into the church and placed near
the altar. This old lady had been possessed
by the devil for several years. Her perse-
cutor continually choked her. His repeated
attacks caused her to lose her hearing, sight,
and speech. She gnashed her teeth. Her
distorted face excited terror. When St. Ber-
nard had looked upon this unfortunate crea-
86 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
ture, he understood that the demon was
profoundly rooted and, as it were, incorpo-
rated in her; and that he would not easily
leave a dwelling occupied by him for many
years.
The man of God turned to the people who
filled the Basilica, inviting them to pray
fervently. Then, surrounded by the priests
and religious, who remained near him at the
foot of the altar, he ordered the woman to
be brought to him and to be held fast. But
she resisted. She writhed in horrible con-
vulsions in the midst of her guards. She
even struck the foot of the saint. But Ber-
nard, calm and unmoved, ascended the altar
and began Holy Mass. Whenever he made
the sign of the Cross over the oblations, he
turned toward the possessed woman and re-
peated the same ceremony. Satan testified,
by an increase of fury and by howls, how
keenly he felt the power of this weapon.
The Lord's prayer finished, St. Bernard
prepared to attack the enemy still more
closely. He took in his hand the paten on
which he had placed the Sacred Body of the
Lord and elevated it above the head of the
unfortunate creature, saying: " Behold thy
Judge, spirit of evil, behold the Almighty!
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 87
Resist now if thou canst. It is by the
power of this terrible Majesty that I order
thee, infernal spirit, to depart from the body
of this servant of God and never return
to it."
The demon, forced to surrender, wished at
least, before acknowledging himself con-
quered, to display his fury and torment his
victim with renewed violence. The holy
abbot reascended the altar, continued the
Holy Sacrifice, broke the Host, and gave the
kiss of peace to the deacon, who communi-
cated it to the whole assembly. At the
same moment, calm and health were re-
stored to the poor woman; for Satan fled
with cries of rage, demonstrating by his de-
feat the efficacy and power of the Prisoner
of the Tabernacle.1
In the year 1239 a fearful war desolated
Spain: the Moors, long masters of the
kingdom of Valentia, disputed with the
Catholics for the possession of that ancient
conquest of the Koran. One day a multitude
of these infidels attacked a small army of a
thousand Christians who had taken refuge
1 Liber Miraculorum. Herbert. Abbe Favre: Le Ciel
Ouvert.
88 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
in a castle. The small number of the be-
sieged left no doubt as to the issue of the
battle. Without earthly hope, the heroic
troop turned to heaven, desiring to arm
themselves with the aid of the sacraments.
But time was precious, the enemy was near,
and priests were wanting to hear their con-
fessions and distribute the Bread of heaven.
Six of the principal leaders, therefore, were
chosen to partake of the Blessed Eucharist
in the name of the others, who kept armed
watch readjr to repulse an attack.
The six brave men confessed, and stationed
themselves around the altar. Already had
the priest consecrated the Hosts for Holy
Communion, when the signal of the Moors'
approach was sounded. The officers seized
their arms and flew to the common defense.
The priest, on his part, in order not to expose
the Sacred Hosts, hurriedly folded them in
the corporal and hid them under a stone.
But our Lord did not refuse them the assist-
ance they expected from His almighty arm.
The enemy was put to flight. Filled with
gratitude for their success the valiant officers
returned to receive Holy Communion in
thanksgiving. The priest hastened to bring
the corporal from its hiding-place. But, O
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 89
wonder! unfolding it on the altar, he found
the Sacred Hosts stained with drops of
blood and adhering to the corporal. With
one voice the people attributed their victory
to this redeeming Blood.
The miraculous corporal was brought to
Daroca, the city in which dwelt the priest
who had consecrated the miraculous Hosts.
Kings, princes, and great lords have gone
there to render homage. Ambassadors were
sent to Pope Urban IV charged to give him
an authentic account of all these facts.
The Pontiff granted numerous indulgences.
Charles Fifth and Empress Isabella visited
the spot after three hundred years had
passed and found the Hosts still intact.1
One day as Frederic IV, King of Prussia,
was passing through the Rhenish Province,
a certain cowherd approached the Royal
carriage, and commenced playing as artisti-
cally as he could on his rude horn. The
King, admiring the simplicity and token of
honor of the cowherd, presented him with
a piece of gold, to repay him for the loyalty
he had exhibited towards his Sovereign.
Now if this earthly Prince so readily re-
1 Miracle Euch. Pere Couet, S.S.S. Sentinel of the
Blessed Sac. Vol. XIX.
90 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
warded this slight act of honor, how much
more readily will not our Lord pour out His
graces upon all those who come to honor
Him, in the Blessed Sacrament, for ever so
short a time.
Our Lord manifested this readiness to
Blessed Balthasar Alvarez, when once kneel-
ing before the altar. He showed Himself
in the Sacred Host as a little child with His
hands full of precious stones, saying: "If
there were only some one to whom I might
distribute them." Are you then in temporal
want. Go to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
St. Norbert, who was of noble rank and rare
talents, passed a most pious youth, and en-
tered the ecclesiastical state. Commissioned
by the Pope, he preached penance to the list-
ening crowds in France and the Netherlands.
In the wild vale of Premontre he gave to some
trained disciples the rule of St. Austin, and
a white habit to denote the angelic purity
proper to the priesthood. The Canons Reg-
ular renewed the spirit of the priesthood,
quickened the faith of the people, and drove
out heresy. A vile heretic, named Tankelin,
appeared at Antwerp, in the time of St.
Norbert, and denied the reality of the
priesthood, and especially blasphemed the
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 91
Blessed Eucharist. The Saint was sent to
drive out the pest. By his burning words
he exposed the impostor and rekindled the
faith in the Blessed Sacrament. Many of
the apostates had proved their contempt for
the Blessed Sacrament, by burning it in
filthy places. Norbert bade them search for
the Sacred Hosts. They found them entire
and unimpaired, and the Saint bore them
back in triumph to the tabernacle. Hence he
is generally painted with the monstrance in
his hand.
Reflection
"And where is the Christian/' says St.
Gregory the Great, "who can doubt that at
the words of the priest the heavens open,
that the choirs of angels assist at the sacred
mysteries in order to pay the reverence to
Jesus Christ; that there is established an
intercourse between heaven and earth, be-
tween the things above and the things be-
neath, that an ineffable union of the visible
with the invisible takes place?"
"The angels," says St. Leo, "venerate the
body of our Lord, and protect the faithful
who are present." And these same angels
have frequently appeared in a sensible form
92 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
to favorite souls. St. Nilus, speaking of St.
Chrysostom, says: "That admirable bishop,
the glory of the whole universe, saw almost
continually the house of God filled with
choirs of angels, but above all when he
offered up the divine sacrifice, and he could
not, even in his private conversation, conceal
his admiration and joy on the subject."
The holy doctor in his address to the faith-
ful frequently reminded them that the angels
adore and love the hidden God: — "When,"
says he, "the sacrifice is offered, heaven opens
and the angels descend. Yes, behold the
celestial spirits present in the sanctuary,
where they sing hymns in honor of the
great King enthroned upon the altar. The
angels are there prostrate before our Com-
mon Lord, archangels are there who profit
by the moment of offering to address their
prayers to Him."
"Oh! do not allow your thoughts to
wander upon earth, but keep yourself recol-
lected by reflecting that although composed
of flesh and bone, you are admitted to the
society of the heavenly spirits to sing forever
the praises of our universal Master."
During the Holy Hour the Church calls
upon all Christians to offer their adoration to
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 93
Jesus in the Holy Eucharist, to praise Him,
to thank Him, to express their love to Him.
How surpassingly wonderful is the gift
which our Lord bestows upon us in the
Blessed Sacrament. He gives Himself to
us whole and entire in His divinity, for did
not Christ at the last supper say clearly
and plainly to His Apostles: "This (which
I have in My hand, which appears to you as
bread) is My Body!"
Nowadays, people pervert the words of
Christ by saying that there is nothing more
wonderful in this Sacrament than in any
other. But how far from the truth have
they not wandered! That which you re-
ceive is our Lord Himself, the great God
of heaven and earth.
"He loved them to the end." Truly,
this one sentence is an abridgment of Christ's
entire life. If he had not loved us, there
would have been no abject poverty in the
stable at Bethlehem, no common toil in the
workshop at Nazareth, no unceasing ac-
tivity after souls during the three years of
His public life, and above all, no Sacrament
of the altar, and no death upon the cross.
Learn from all this the excessive love Jesus
bears to every one of His children. He
94 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
would have us made one with Himself.
Therefore, He has established this Sacrament
of Love.
How sweet and how profitable it is to enter
into the practices of devotion to the Holy
Eucharist. What consolation and what
treasures of grace the soul finds in her rela-
tions with God. How could we seek else-
where the joys which our heart needs? It is
there they exist, as the Saints experienced,
and as we shall experience, if we have their
devotion and zeal for the Most Holy Sacra-
ment; if we share, for instance, in the admir-
able dispositions of St. Liguori when he
says: "0 Lord Jesus! enkindle in me an
ardent desire to remain always in Thy
presence, at the foot of Thine altars, to keep
company there with Thee, to receive Thee
into my heart. Oh, deign to attract me
towards Thee by the perfumes of Thy
sacred beauty and the infinite love Thou
dost manifest in the Most Holy Sacrament.' '
Animated by these sentiments let us adore,
love, and glorify the Divine Eucharist which
shall be our strength, our peace, our joy,
the whole time of our pilgrimage, and whose
virtue will make us attain to eternal
happiness.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 95
"May the Heart of Jesus in the most
Blessed Sacrament be praised, adored and
loved with grateful affection, at every mo-
ment, in all the tabernacles of the world,
even to the end of time."
CSIebentf) Ifteatimg; anb ISUtlectton
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Legenda
MAXIMILIAN I, Emperor of Germany,
sometimes called the "Last Knight,"
for his chivalrous character, was in his
youth remarkable for high courage and love
of adventure, which at times led him to
feats of rash daring. Among the many
lands over which he ruled, none was so dear
to him as the mountainous Tyrol, because
hunting among the Tyrolese Alps was one
of his chief pleasures.
On Easter Monday, in the year 1493, the
young Emperor, who was staying in the
vicinity of Innsbruck, rose before dawn for
a day's chamois hunting. He took with him
a few courtiers and some experienced hunt-
ers. At sunrise they were already high up
on the mountain pastures, which are the
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 97
favorite haunts of the chamois: the valleys
beneath them were still covered by a sea of
white mist. Maximilian fixed a longing gaze
on the rocky summits. "I wish/' said he,
"that I could gain today some spot where
the foot of man has never trod before, and
where no man should be able to follow.
That would be the spot for the throne of the
Emperor. "
At this moment, one of the huntsmen gave
notice that he had sighted some chamois;
the whole party, guided by him, cautiously
approached a rocky point, behind which the
animal was grazing. On this point of rock
stood a single chamois, its graceful head
raised, as if to watch. Maximilian, on its
track, had soon distanced his attendants.
One moment he paused, then with a light
spring gained the other side, while a shout
burst from his astonished suite. He had
leaped too far and in vain Max gazed around
for some way to escape. And then his wish
of the morning occurred to him. How liter-
ally it had been fulfilled! And how little
could the Emperor exult in his lofty and airy
throne! He merely felt with a shudder his
own exceeding littleness in the face of the
great realities of Nature and Nature's God.
98 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
Beneath, in the valley of Zierlein, a shep-
herd was watching his flock. He observed
a dark speck moving on the face of the rock
called St. Martin's Wall. "It's a man!" he
cried; "what witchcraft has brought him
there?" And he ran to tell the wonder to
his neighbors. Soon a little crowd col-
lected and stood gazing up at St. Martin's
Wall. "God be with him!" was the excla-
mation of all. "He can never leave that
spot alive — he must perish of hunger!"
The Emperor's attendants gazed at the
figure and at each other in horror. One of
them had a speaking trumpet. He raised it
to his mouth, and cried at the pitch of his
voice: "If it is the Emperor who stands
there, we pray him to cast down a stone."
There was a breathless hush of suspense,
and down came the stone, crashing into the
roof of a cottage.
A loud cry of lamentation broke from the
people and was echoed on every side among
the mountains. For they loved their young
Emperor. The sound of the wail reached
Max's ears and raised his hopes. He drew
from his pocket a small parchment book,
tore out a blank leaf, and wrote on it with a
pencil, then tied the parchment to a stone
FOR THE HOLY HOUR
99
with some gold ribbon which he happened
to have with him, and let the stone fall
down into the valley. A second and a
third time he repeated the message — still
there was silence. Max came to the con-
clusion that all hope must be over for him.
If he was to die, he would die as became a
king and a Christian — if this world were
vanishing from him, he would lay firm hold
of the next.
Again he tore a leaf from his book and
wrote on it. And from that high and airy
grave he threw the stone down among the
living. It was found. The man who found
the stone read the letter aloud to the as-
sembled crowd, for the Emperor's messages
were addressed to all Tyrol. And this was
the last message :
"Oh, Tyrol, my last warm thanks to thee
for thy love which has so long been faithful
to me. In my pride I tempted God, and
my life is now the penalty. I know that no
help is possible. God's will be done. Yet,
one thing, good friends, you can do for me.
Send a messenger to Zierlein at once for the
Holy Sacrament, for which my soul thirsts.
And when the priest is standing by the river,
let it be announced to me by a shot, and let
100 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
another shot tell me when I am to receive
the blessing. And when I pray you unite
your prayers with mine to the great Helper
in time of need, that He may strengthen me
to endure the pains of a lingering death.
Max."
Off sped the messenger to Zierlein, and in
all haste came the priest. Max heard the
shot, and, looking down, could see the white
robe of the priest standing by the river,
which looked like a little silver thread to
him. He threw himself on his knees pray-
ing that he might be a spiritual partaker of
Christ, though he could not receive in body
the signs of salvation. Then the second shot
rang on the air, and through the speaking-
trumpet came the words of the blessing:
"May God's blessing be upon thee in thy
great need — the blessing of the Father, the
Son, and the Holy Ghost, Whom heaven and
earth praise forever."
The Emperor felt a deep peace filling his
heart as the words of the blessing were
wafted to his ear. Beneath, in the deep-
purple shade of the valley, the people all
knelt and the Emperor could hear the faint
murmur which told him that they were pray-
ing for him. Touched by their sympathy
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 101
he continued kneeling in prayer for the
welfare of his subjects.
Suddenly a bright gleam flashed on his
eyes, and a figure in a flicker, and a dazzle
of light stood before him.
"Lord Emperor/ ' it spoke, " follow me. I
know the mountains well, and every path in
them." Downward they went, miles and
miles downward, till at last the ravine
opened into a long, nearly flat-bottomed
cavern, at the end of which the torch and
bearer vanished. Max groped his way and
at last he found himself in the valley of
Zierlein, and afar off he heard the confused
noise of an assembled multitude. He fol-
lowed the sound till he reached the foot of
St. Martin's wall, and saw priest and people
still kneeling in prayer for him. Deeply
moved he stepped into their midst and cried :
" Praise the Lord with me, my people!
See, he has delivered me."
The Emperor was never able to discover
who had been the instrument of his won-
drous rescue. A report soon spread among
the people that an angel had saved him. In-
deed, we may firmly believe that it was an
angel of the Lord that saved the Emperor's
life. This great monarch had made a solemn
102 READINGS AXD REFLECTIONS
profession of faith in the Real Presence.
Ah! how much has he not edified the whole
world by this lively faith in the Real Presence.1
St. Thomas a Kempis makes mention of a
young man who was deprived of the sight of
the Host during Holy Mass no matter how
near he was to the sanctuary. As this state
of things lasted for two years and as he was
constantly tormented by scruples and qualms
of conscience, he determined to consult a
learned theologian on the subject. It de-
veloped that the young man bore inveterate
hatred to a neighbor, and refused to be
reconciled with him. Thereupon the con-
fessor explained to him that our Lord was
thus demonstrating that though he was
present at Mass in person, he did not, on
account of his want of charity, share in any
of the spiritual benefits of the Holy Sacri-
fice. The young man, having pardoned his
enemy and made his peace with God, was
henceforth able to see the Sacred Host.
St. Catherine of Sienna burned with so
great a desire to unite herself to her divine
1 Eischsfld. Erbauungsstunden Nr. 25. Sendbt. D.
goettl. Herz Jesu, Heft 12. 1880. Dauroltius, C. 3. lit 37.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 103
Spouse in the Holy Eucharist, that she
visibly wasted away, and appeared to have
no other life than Jesus. Her only food
during several lenten seasons was the Blessed
Sacrament of the Altar. Her confessor,
having once refused, no doubt unjustly, to
permit her to communicate, was punished
for it during Mass. At the Communion of
the Mass he was very much perplexed, for
he found only half of the Host. "Do not
trouble yourself/' said the saint to the
celebrant, when the Mass was over: "God
has granted to me what you refused. The
angel of the Lord communicated me with
the particle of the Host which has disap-
peared/' This was a severe lesson for her
confessor, and after that he allowed the
saint to go to Communion every day.1
The Archduke Ferdinand and [ the
Duchess of Hohenberg were both very
pious and great lovers of the Blessed
Sacrament.
Prince Ferdinand was one day at a country
place in a little village on the confines of
Marienbad. After registering at the hotel,
1 Drane: History of Catherine of Sienna. Emile Chavin
v. Malan: Her Life.
104 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
his next care was to go for a visit to the
Blessed Sacrament. As it was already rather
late in the evening, he found the door of the
church closed. "Where does the sacristan
live?" asked the Archduke of some children
who were playing nearby. "You mean the
Cure. . . . You have only to take the first
street to the right/' answered the children.
Having secured the key from the village
Cure, he returned to the little church where,
alone before the Blessed Sacrament, he
recited his evening prayer.
The Duchess, his wife, always most faith-
ful in her assistance at the sacred services
performed in her chateau, was not satisfied
with piously hearing Mass herself, but took
particular pains that her husband also ful-
filled that great Christian duty.
A veterinary surgeon had been summoned
on one occasion from Vienna to the Palace.
His duties caused him some delay in return-
ing that evening to his home. The next
day being Sunday, the Princess had given
orders to her chaplain to say Mass an hour
before train time so that the doctor might
comply with his religious duties.1
1 Tabernakelwacht, 1895.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 105
Reflection
How beautiful is the love of Jesus, since
He has not refused His holiest gift, the
Blessed Sacrament, to those even who dese-
crate His law! He does not refuse it pro-
vided only they have been reconciled to Him
in the Sacrament of Penance. And how
easy it is for each one of us to receive both
Penance and Holy Eucharist! It only re-
quires a few steps to the nearest church,
where we shall always find a priest ready
to hear our heart-broken tale, and break for
us the Bread of Life. Far easier is it for us
to attain these great gifts than to acquire
the enjoyment of worldly goods. What
affliction does not the pursuit of the latter
entail! What sleepless nights! What years
of steady striving and weary waiting! Our
Lord would have a perfect right to demand
like trials of us in order to enjoy the precious
boon of the Holy Eucharist, yet how differ-
ently does He act! And not only does He
grant His greatest gifts to the holy ones of
earth, but sinners too have a claim on His
bounty and generosity. "He maketh His
sun shine on the just and the unjust." He
appears daily on the altar during Holy Mass,
and He is often enthroned in the monstrance
106 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
to pour His Divine Benediction on all those
who care to receive it. The greatest sinner
comes here, and, though still in sin, may
carry with him from Mass and Benediction
the grace to be reconciled once more to his
God. The Sacrament of Penance is offered
to such with a wonderful love, the love of a
devoted father to an erring son.
It is the preparation of love, above all,
that the saints brought to the Holy Eucharist.
They said to our Lord: "0 only Son, 0 be-
loved of the Father, I acknowledge that
Thou art the object most deserving of being
loved! I desire to love Thee as much as
Thou deservest, as much at least as a soul
can love. I feel too well that I do not de-
serve that Thou shouldst come to me, but
I know that Thou seekest my love, 0 God
of goodness, and I hear Thee say to me,
'My son, give Me thy heart/ "
During this Holy Hour the invitation is
extended to us , to spend these precious
moments before the tabernacle. 0 God of
all love, accept my heart, and, in coming to
reside there, change it, purify it, inflame it.
"I wish for Thee only, 0 my Jesus, and I
take no repose but when I rest on Thy divine
Heart in Holy Communion. "
Ctodttl) Ifteainng ana Inflection
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Legenda
ST. PAUL the hermit had received from
God the gift of the penetration of hearts.
By means of this gift he could discover the
most secret thoughts of his fellow-man. On
Sundays when the hermits went to hear Mass
he often stayed at the entrance of the
church, in order to tell those who in the
state of mortal sin entered the house of God,
to repent of and do penance for their evil
deeds. One day he saw a man go to church
whose face was quite disfigured, and who
was followed by several evil spirits who
kept him chained and pulled him to the
right and to the left. His guardian angel
followed at a distance, with great compassion
for the unhappy man. At this lamentable
sight the holy hermit commenced to shed
108 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
bitter tears; he struck his breast and greatly
sympathized with the poor wretched sinner.
But wonderful to relate, after Mass was over,
he saw that great sinner come out with a
bright countenance, and his guardian angel
close by him. Full of joy he exclaimed:
"0 most inconceivable, 0 most wonderful
mercy of God! Behold, my brethren, I saw
this man enter the church with a black face
and surrounded by several evil spirits; and
now, on coming out, I see him beautiful and
bright like an angel." Then turning to that
sinner he said: "Give honor to God, and tell
us in what state you entered the church."
"I am a great sinner," said he; "I have
spent many years in debauchery; but when
I heard in the epistle of the Mass the words
of the prophet Isaias, 'Wash yourselves, be
clean, take away the evil of your devices
from my eyes/ etc., 'if your sins be as scarlet,
they shall be made white as snow/ I en-
tered into myself and said to God: 'O my
Lord Thou who earnest into this world to
save poor sinners, save me, the most wretched
of sinners/ These were the sentiments of
my heart during Mass. I firmly resolved
never more to offend Almighty God. I be-
sought the Lord to forgive me and to receive
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 109
me once more in mercy. With these senti-
ments I left the church. " Now, when the
hermits heard this, they exclaimed: "Ah!
how great is the mercy of God! He bestows
the grace of conversion upon sinners in the
Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and receives them
again into His sacred embraces." 1
A very pious virgin named Amelia Lautard
of Marseilles was very sensitive to every
outrage offered to God. There was, how-
ever, one at which she seemed to be more
pained than at all the rest. This was the
ingratitude of men and the cruel neglect of
our Savior in His Eucharistic prison. Dur-
ing her solitary virgils before the altar, she
conceived an ardent desire to make some
reparation to the outraged love of Jesus
Christ. The idea occurred to her of insti-
tuting a community whose mission should be
to give thanks and console our divine Savior
for the ingratitude of the world by perpetual
adoration before the Tabernacle, and at the
same time of getting up a regular service of
thanksgiving among the faithful at large, to
have short prayers appointed and recom-
mended by the Church to their constant
1 Lives of the Fathers of the Desert, Lib. V.
110 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
use, for the sole and express purpose of
thanking God for His countless mercies to
us all, but more especially to those among
us who never thank Him on their own
account. In order to carry out these sug-
gestions more effectively, she went to Rome
to obtain the authorization and blessing of
the Pope. She received the most affection-
ate welcome, for the Holy Father had been
long acquainted with her by name and
knew the apostolic manner of life she led.
He approved of her design, encouraged her
to carry it out, and gave his blessing to the
work. She was in the habit of recommend-
ing to her friends the use of the Gloria Patri
and the ejaculation Deo Gratias, as having
been particularly recommended to her de-
votion by the Holy Father himself.
An incident occurred to Amelia during her
stay in Rome, which she often narrated as
a proof of the extreme need we have of
a service of thanksgiving. She went one
morning to an audience at the house of a
cardinal, and while waiting for her turn,
she entered into a conversation with the
superior of the Redemptorist Fathers in
France. Always on the watch to gain an
ally to the cause, she told him the motive of
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 111
her journey to Rome, and begged that he
would use his influence in his own wide
sphere to forward its success amongst souls.
"Ah! madam!" exclaimed the Redempto-
rist," "it was a good thought to try and stir
up men's hearts to a spirit of thanksgiving,
for there is nothing more wanting in the
world. I have been forty years a priest, and
during that time I have been asked to say
Masses for every sort of intention, but only
once have I been asked to say a Mass of
thanksgiving." 1
The Rev. Anthony Urbanek, who, in the
years 1847 and 1848, exercised the functions
of the holy ministry in the city of Milwaukee,
in the State of Wisconsin, gave the following
account of a wonderful conversion wrought
by the recital of the "Hail Mary": He fre-
quently visited a Protestant family by the
name of Pollworth, natives of Hanover, but
then residing a few hours' drive from Mil-
waukee. After a short time Mrs. Pollworth
joined the Catholic Church, but her husband
remained obstinate, and would often say
that he would never become a Catholic.
He would not even allow his children to be
baptized, although his wife resorted to every
1 Catholic World, 1873.
112 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
possible means to obtain his consent. All
who knew him used to say it would require
nothing less than a miracle to make a Catho-
lic of Poll worth. The priest continued his
visits, and their conversation generally fell
upon the truths of Catholicity. But every
effort to convince Mr. Pollworth was in vain;
he had always a thousand objections to pre-
sent. On one of these visits, after having
long and uselessly endeavored to open the
eyes of his headstrong friend to the truth of
the Catholic faith, Rev. Mr. Urbanek at last
said to him: "I see well, Mr. Pollworth, that
I can do nothing with you." At that moment
the good priest was suddenly inspired with
a feeling of extraordinary confidence in the
intercession of the Blessed Virgin, and,
continuing to address Air. Pollworth, he
added: ''But you must, at least, promise
me one thing." "What may that be?"
asked his friend in the Low German dialect.
"I will tell you after you will have promised
it," answered Rev. Mr. Urbanek. "It is not
difficult, and you can conscientiously do it."
After a good deal of argument, Mr. Pollworth
finally promised to do what might be asked of
him. "Then," said the priest, "say on every
Sunday henceforth one 'Hail Mary' for my
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 113
! intention, and you will, in a short time,
experience a great change in your feelings. "
Mr. Pollworth laughed at these words;
but he kept his promise faithfully. About
fourteen days after the promise was made,
i he suddenly accosted his wife thus: "I am
going to Milwaukee now, to buy some new
clothes for the children. 7 J The astonished
wife asked: "But why at this time so particu-
larly?" "Well, I have at last made up my
mind to let the children be baptized," was his
reply. The news spread like wild-fire through
the entire neighborhood. "Pollworth has,
at length, consented to have his children
baptized," was in every one's mouth.
He, moreover, begged the Rev. Mr. Ur-
banek to have the ceremony performed with
the greatest solemnity. The Rev. Pastor
invited another Priest and two Clerics to
assist at the baptism, which took place before
High Mass. After Mass, the Most Blessed
Sacrament was exposed and the hymn
"Pange Lingua" sung by the choir. The
newly baptized children stood close to the
altar steps, and their father immediately
behind them. During the singing of the
hymn, it suddenly occurred to Mr. Pollworth
to look at the Blessed Sacrament, but being
114 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
forced by the immense crowd that was press-
ing towards the sanctuary to stand, if he
would not kneel upon his children, he feared
lest a free glance at the Sacred Host might
have the appearance of irreverence. How-
ever, he was •not long able to resist the
inclination. He looked towards the altar
and saw the Sacred Host as it always is;
but, it soon increased to the size of a mill-
stone, and in the center of it there appeared
the Good Shepherd with a lamb upon His
shoulders. This sight did not perplex the
man: he wished to convince himself of what
he seemed to see. He accordingly closed one
eye for a while and thus looked at the appa-
rition, and then again with both eyes, until
he was fully satisfied that there was no
illusion in the matter. Besides, it was a
clear noonday, and he was standing scarcely
two steps from the altar. After the lapse
of about five minutes, the vision disappeared,
and the sacred host resumed its original
appearance. On leaving the church, Poll-
worth asked some of his neighbors whether
they had seen nothing singular during the
divine service; but when he perceived that
they knew nothing of the apparition, he said
no more. The next day he invited the priest
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 115
to pay him a visit, and as soon as Rev. Mr.
Urbanek entered the house, Pollworth said:
"Now, indeed, is the lost sheep at last found,
after its long straying among the briers. I
wish to become a Catholic." A few days
later he was received into the Church, and
after he had made his Profession of Faith,
he solemnly attested by oath to the truth
of the vision above related. On the same
day a bigoted Calvinist was baptized. Upon
the simple assurance of Mr. Pollworth of
what had taken place he had been converted.
The Right Rev. Bishop granted to the con-
gregation of the church, in which the wonder
had taken place, the privilege of having, on
every 16th of July, the day of the apparition,
a solemn procession with the Blessed Sacra-
ment, exactly as on Corpus Christi. Poll-
worth and his family always go to Holy
Communion on this day.1
How good and merciful is the Lord! He
is the Good Shepherd who leaves the ninety-
nine sheep in the mountains, and goes in
search of the one that is lost. He follows
it when it goes astray; constantly pursues
its footsteps, and does not rest until He has
found it and brought it back to His fold.
1 Blessed Euch. Michael Muller.
116 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
During the time of St. Otto in England,
some of the clergy are said to have reached
such an unfortunate frame of mind that they
doubted the Real Presence. Otto in his dis-
tress asked God to enlighten the unbelievers,
and the Almighty was pleased to hear the
saint's request.
One day in the cathedral at Canterbury,
while St. Otto was celebrating Mass in the
presence of the clergy, at the breaking of the
Host after the consecration, all present saw
two large drops of blood falling into the
chalice. All who doubted were called to the
altar by the Archbishop, and on witnessing
the miracle were filled with gratitude that
God had deigned to enlighten their blind-
ness, and humbly asked pardon for their
incredulity.1
St. Theresa felt such a longing desire for
Jesus in Holy Communion, whom she called
her life and the beloved of her heart, that
she would, as she says, have braved a thou-
sand dangers to attain it. Her expressions
are all fire when speaking of the Blessed
Sacrament. The holy ardor which con-
1 Juritsch: Geschichte des Bishofs Otto.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 117
sumed the soul produced on her such super-
natural effects that she was sometimes
seen, at the time of Communion, all sur-
rounded with light and as if already crowned
with the glory she was to receive in heaven.
St. Catherine of Genoa, at the sight of
the Host in the hands of the priest could
scarcely contain her happiness. She envied
the priest of God who had the great fortune
to be so near the Blessed Sacrament, and,
burning with desire, she was wont to say in
her heart: " Hasten, Thou my God, quick,
quick: let this heavenly Bread come without
delay into the very depths of my soul; for it
is all that I seek; it is my nourishment; my
life."1
Reflection
In the heart of Jesus there burned a love
that would willingly sacrifice all for the be-
loved object, and this we see Him doing in
the Blessed Sacrament of the altar. Like the
faithful shepherd, ever anxious to be near His
sheep lest any harm should befall them, so
Jesus, pre-eminently the "Good Shepherd,"
has ordained that through all ages He shall
1Huguet: The Blessed Sacrament. Peter Lechner;
Her life.
118 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
ever be close to His own. On that sorrowful
night of the Last Supper there was still one
desire of His heart unfulfilled, and so we see
Him taking bread, and blessing, and break-
ing and giving it to His disciples. When
Christ said: "This is My Body/' He gave
us not only His sacred living Body, but also
His soul. With divinity and humanity He
comes to us, thus raising the dignity of our
poor fallen nature by its intimate union
with the divine.
Because of His burning love, then, He is
present with us in all places until the end of
time. While He dwelt visibly among men,
the laws of place and time both held domin-
ion over Him. As man He was present only
in one place at one time, but now, subject
to no natural law, He is in all places with
His entire humanity and divinity, — and for
all time, until earth shall be no more!
To His Sacred Body in the Blessed Sac-
rament our Lord has transferred two of
His divine attributes, His divine omnipres-
ence and His divine omnipotence. And He
has done this because it is His delight to be
always with the children of men. Aglow
with His divine love He tells us: "I am
come to cast fire on the earth and what will
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 119
I but that it be kindled?" Thus would He
provoke our love in return, for, "When God
gives us great favors/' says St. Basil, "He
demands nothing from us in return except
our love." Behold, then, what Christ ex-
acts from us when He gives us Himself in
the Blessed Sacrament: He desires only
that we love Him as He loves us — surely, a
trifling recompense for so priceless a boon!
With one accord, during this Holy Hour,
let us beg this love of our dear Lord, for He
only can bestow it upon us, and in petition-
ing for it we can use no better words than
the sublimely beautiful ones of a dear Cath-
olic hymn:
"Jesus, my Lord, my God, my All!
How can I love Thee as I ought?
And how revere this wondrous gift,
So far surpassing hope or thought?
Sweet Sacrament, we Thee adore,
Oh! make us love Thee more and more."
^tjtrtemtf) Keatung; and Inflection
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Legenda
LIKE SS. Aloysius and Stanislaus Kostka,
Blessed John Berchmans has been given
to Christian youth for an example and patron.
He would rise very early in the morning and
hurry to church, where he would generally
hear two or three Masses before school;
upon his return, if he found his parents'
house closed, he would enter the nearest
church and say his rosary. His great joy
was to hear sermons, and his dearest occu-
pation to serve Holy Mass, and great were
the graces which he drew from the divine
Sacrifice. Already he entertained the most
childlike veneration for the Blessed Mother
of God, and the most glowing love for Jesus
in the Most Holy Sacrament.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 121
He had just reached the age of eleven
years when, on a certain high festival, it
pleased God to awaken in him a great de-
sire to make his first Communion; so he
presented himself in all humility before the
Superior of the Seminary, and begged for
the grace to receive our Lord Jesus Christ in
Holy Communion. For this he prepared
himself so diligently that his Superior per-
ceived plainly that not a natural, but rather
a high degree of supernatural, fervor was at
work in the soul of this favorite child of
God.
At fourteen years of age he put himself
under the instruction of the Jesuits, and
after three years' preparation entered the
Society of Jesus. It was the custom of
Blessed John to visit our Lord seven times a
day in the Most Holy Sacrament of the
Altar, and on quitting the presence of our
Lord to beseech St. Aloysius and St. Stanis-
laus to keep watch during his absence. It
was with incredible care that he prepared
himself to receive Holy Communion. But
when one of his companions inquired why,
on vacation days, however great the feast
might be, he always abstained from the
Holy Mysteries, he replied: " Because on
122 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
days of recreation I cannot receive them with
the recollection which is befitting so great a
Majesty."
Blessed John Berchmans had attained his
twenty-second year when he was taken ill
on the fifth of August, the feast of our Lady
of Snows. By command of his superiors he
went into the infirmary and took to his bed.
On the Sunday after the feast he received
Holy Communion, at his own express de-
sire, by way of Viaticum. Before receiving
it he begged the Father Rector to allow him
to have his mattress laid upon the floor, in
order that he might thus receive the Sacred
Body of the Lord in company of as many of
his companions as could be present.
The following morning he prepared to re-
ceive the Last Sacraments. After saying the
confiteor, whilst Father Rector held the Host
in his hand, he poured forth unexpectedly
the following declaration: "I declare that
there is here present the Very Son of God
the Father Almighty and of the Blessed
Virgin. I declare that I live and die as a
true son of the Holy Catholic Apostolic
Roman Church." These unexpected words,
spoken with such deep devotion, moved all
present to tears. With his eyes fixed upon
FOR THE HOLY HOUR
123
his crucifix, his rosary and his rule in his
hand, and the most holy names of Jesus
and Mary upon his lips, he yielded up his
guileless soul into the hands of his Creator.1
Saint Peter of Alcantara was born in the
city of Alcantara in Spain. As a boy he
was always earnest and gentle, and the
beauty of his soul reflected itself in his sweet
countenance, so that even children called
him the holy boy, although he never played
with them. His great delight was to be in
church. On one occasion he remained un-
usually long away from home; midday had
passed, and yet he did not appear. On
sending a servant in search of him his
parents learned that he was found in the
choir of the church, kneeling behind the
organ, his face glowing like that of an angel;
and so deep in devotion that it was with
difficulty the messenger aroused him.
The holy and austere life of this beloved
servant of God was in keeping with its be-
ginning. His humility was such that the
priesthood was forced upon him, and he ac-
cepted it only as an obedience after a long
protest. But from the moment that he cele-
brated his first Mass, his union with God in
1 Goldie: the Life of Blessed J. Berchmans.
124 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
daily Communion and the contemplation of
the bitter sufferings of our Savior took such
possession of him that he was almost con-
stantly in the state of ecstasy.
Being himself at all times absorbed in the
mystery of the cross, he desired that every-
one should equally value the divine mystery.
For this purpose he erected crosses in all the
roads, lanes, and heights. He himself would
assist in carrying these crosses up the moun-
tain side, and after planting one, he would
address in fervent language the kneeling mul-
titude. "Fly from sin/' he would exclaim,
"for sin hath crucified the Lord Jesus Christ !"
But the Holy Eucharist was still more the
object of his love and devotion, as it was the
occasion of his most frequent ecstasies. The
saint lost all consciousness of surrounding
things, for his heart was one with the Be-
loved. He used to choose a dwelling close to
the Adorable Sacrament and would cause a
little opening to be made in his cell through
which he could see the high altar. St. Peter
of Alcantara died on the 18th of October, 1562. 1
In the year 1720, Provence, near the city
of Marseilles, France, was visited by an
1 Ott: Eucharisticum.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 125
appalling pestilence which in the course of a
few months carried off one half of the in-
habitants. When all human means failed,
the Bishop of Marseilles resolved to take
refuge in our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament
to appease the anger of God the Father by
the merits of the Most Sacred Heart of His
divine Son. He exhorted the faithful of
his diocese to unite in the spirit with which
he himself was animated, and on the feast
of Corpus Christi, after a long procession, in
which he had carried the Most Holy Sacra-
ment in his hands, and with bare feet he
dedicated himself and his whole diocese to
the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The prayers were heard. From that very
day the evil began to diminish, and in a
short time it disappeared. This fact was
recorded by the magistrates of the city.
But God had in reserve a still more striking
mark of protection in reward for the zeal
of the Bishop and his pious flock. In the
month of May of the year 1722 the pestilence
broke out afresh in the city, throwing all the
inhabitants into the most frightful con-
sternation. Death reaped a fearful harvest.
"All around me are laid low/' writes the
good Bishop ; " and of all the servants of God
126 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
who have accompanied me, none remains
to me but my almoner. During the last
eight days I have seen two hundred dead
bodies in a state of decomposition round my
house and under my windows. Every place
is so full of filth that it is nearly impossible
to know where to tread. " Once more the
prelate took refuge in the Sacred Heart of
Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. He col-
lected the magistrates of the city and made
a vow that every year on the Feast of the
Sacred Heart they would go m% solemn pro-
cession to the church of The Mother of
God, to receive Holy Communion with
suitable offerings; and this procession was
vowed to take place annually. This vow
was publicly proclaimed before the high
altar of the cathedral by the chief magistrate
in presence of the Most Holy Sacrament.
The vow was heard. From that day the
sick began to recover.1
St. John Chrysostom says: "When you
see the body of Jesus Christ on our altars,
say to yourself: 'By means of this Body I
am no longer dust and ashes; I am no
longer a slave; I am free/ The sun could
1 Rossignoli: Les Merveilles dans la Saint Euch., 1865,
FOR THE HOLY HOUR
127
not behold this Body fastened to the cross
without turning away its rays; the veil of
the temple as well as the rocks were rent
with grief, and the whole earth trembled.
Do you wish to learn from other facts how
far His power and His might extend? Ask
the woman who was healed by touching,
not His Body, but His garment; not even
the whole garment, but simply the hem.
Ask the sea which bore Him upon its waves.
Ask Satan who gave Him a mortal wound?
who stripped Him of His strength? who
made Him a slave? He will answer you
that it is this Body that crushed his head,
and triumphed over his power. Ask death:
who took from it its sting? who rendered it
so contemptible to children, while it is so
terrible to kings, and even to the just?
Death will tell you that it is this Body that
worked all these wonders. Then let us come
from the Holy Table like lions, full of
strength. " 1
Reflection
Only a love that was capable of overcoming
all obstacles could give us this Most Holy
Sacrament under the lowly form of bread.
1 Tom. 1. Ill, de Sacerd. N. 4, 5, Naegle.
128 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
Thus did our Lord find a means whereby
He might remain with us everywhere and
at all times. Nothing seeming too much
for His love, — He hides Himself under a
form destitute of life, regardless of the
injuries and insults heaped upon Him by
reason of His very condescension and aban-
donment to our will.
How little do we consider the sufferings
of the soul, the moral diseases we inflict
upon it by our irregular lives, compared
with the plwsical pains we sometimes endure.
The souls of the martyrs tasted heavenly
peace and joy, whilst their poor bodies were
torn by wild beasts or cut to pieces in ex-
cruciating torture. The agony our Lord
endured for our sins was far more bitter
than all this, because He bore it while His
soul was plunged into a sea of sorrow.
And yet, foreseeing all the indifferences of
men, all their irreverences, all their unbelief,
— His love for us was so great that He chose
the Sacrament of the altar just to be with
us. Despite the fact that He knows but
too well that He will always be so little
loved and so much wounded, He still remains.
Oh! at least let us who try to be grateful to
the hidden God by gathering here during the
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 129
Holy Hour, where we may praise and exalt
the infinite love of Jesus in this Sacrament !
With tears of gratitude let us weep over the
injuries we have inflicted on His most Sacred
Heart; and let us purpose by this act of ado-
ration to make reparation for all the offenses
and insults which have ever been or ever will
be committed against Jesus in the Blessed
Sacrament till the end of time. Thus shall
we begin and end our Holy Hour with a
living faith and with sincere devotion adore
our Eucharistic King.
" O Jesus, my Priest and my Victim, lend
me Thy Heart to chant to my Sovereign
Benefactor a hymn of the sweetest and the
most heartfelt gratitude. Do Thou Thyself
touch the strings of this divine lyre, and
express to my great Benefactor fitting
thanks for each of the benefits conferred on
me and all mankind by the gift of Thy good
and magnanimous Heart! "
" O Mary, our Lady of the Blessed Sacra-
ment and my well-beloved Mother, thank
the Heart of thy Son, my Priest and my
Victim, for having loved me so far as to die
for my redemption. Thank Him for having
loved me so much as to remain here below
under the lowly appearance of Bread in order
130 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
to give Himself to me in Communion and
to apply to me Himself the merits of the
sacrifice of His life. Teach me, dearest
Mother, to fix on the heart of my Priest and
my Victim, through the shadows of the
Eucharistic Mystery, all the thoughts of
my mind, all the affections of my heart."
jfourtemtl) l&ea&mff and Inflection
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Legenda
MARIE BERNARD BAUER, a Jewish
convert, was the son of one of the
wealthiest Jewish families in Vienna. His
conversion to the Catholic faith dates way
back to the year 1865. At an early age
the young Jew, fiery and enthusiastic, and
gifted already with singular eloquence, threw
himself into the ranks of the Revolution, and
became one of its most ardent emissaries.
At eighteen he was intrusted with important
missions, and considered a rising Freemason.
But during his travels he became acquainted
with a young Frenchman, a zealous Catho-
lic, whose influence and friendship laid the
foundations of his conversion. He visited his
friends and his mother also, who by her ex-
ample more even than by her exhortations
132 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
contributed to the work of grace begun in
his soul by her son's solicitations. Bauer
wore, by the request of these two, a medal of
the Immaculate Conception. After being
fully instructed in the faith, he required
nothing but grace to believe. While at
Lyons with several worldly acquaintances, he
happened to be standing on a balcony, on
the Feast of Corpus Christi; the procession
of the Blessed Sacrament was to pass below,
and they, with cigars in their mouths, and
mockery in their hearts, were watching for
the pageant. No change came over the
young Jew until the canopy under which
the priest carried the Divine Host was
close beneath the balcony. The change at
that moment was lightning-like. Faith
entered his heart, or rather — as he himself
afterwards declared — a conviction of the
Real Presence of our Lord in the Blessed
Sacrament so absolute that it made itself felt
throughout his whole being.
It was by means of this light of faith that
he saw our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament
more distinctly than if our Lord had ap-
peared to him in some sensible manner.
The same knowledge, so to speak, returned
to him many times since while consecrating
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 133
at Mass, and he said he could not believe
merely, in a matter of which he was so
blissfully and unerringly certain. As Jesus
passed, Bauer threw himself on his knees and
professed himself a Christian.
It was in consequence of this most inti-
mate conviction that he concluded one of
his discourses in Paris, as follows: "And
Thou, Lord Jesus Who art the Truth 'that
enlighteneth every man that cometh into
the world/ let it not come to pass that one
soul out of this great assemblage should re-
turn this day from the foot of this pulpit to
the common turmoil of the world without
bearing within itself the ineffable wound of
a dawning conviction. And if, 0 Lord!
Thou requirest unto this end the sacrifice of
a human life, let this day be my last on
earth, and this hour the last of my mortal
pilgrimage/ ' 1
It is related in the life of St. John a Fa-
cundo, O.S.A., that he was usually long in
saying Mass, so that no one liked to serve
it. The Father Prior told him that he
should try not to be longer in saying Mass
than the other Fathers of the convent. The
1 Catholic World, May, 1873.
134 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
holy priest tried to obey, but finding obedi-
ence in this point so extremely difficult, he
begged the prior to permit him to say Mass
in the same manner as before. After hearing
his reasons, the prior most willingly granted
this permission. With Father John's leave,
he told these reasons to the Fathers of the
convent. " Believe me/' said the prior to
them, " Father John's Mass lasts so long be-
cause God bestows on him the grace of
seeing the mysteries of the holy sacrifice,
which are so sublime that no human mind
can understand them. Of these mysteries
he told me things so wonderful that I was
overwhelmed with holy awe and almost be-
side myself. Believe me, Jesus Christ shows
Himself to this Father in a most wonderful
manner, converses with him most sweetly,
and sends forth upon him from His sacred
wounds a heavenly light and splendor so re-
freshing for both body and soul that he
might live without any nourishment. Father
John sees also the Body of Christ in its
heavenly glory and beauty shining like a
most brilliant sun. Now, considering how
great and unspeakably sublime the graces
and favors are which men derive from say-
ing Mass, or from hearing it, I have firmly re-
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 135
solved never to omit saying or hearing Mass,
and I will exhort others to do the same." 1
A young man of Cologne, the son of a
convert to Christianity, having approached
the Holy Table during the Paschal time of
1153, carried off the Host with the intention
of using it for sacrilegious purposes. Scarcely
had he left the church when terror took
possession of him. Not knowing what to
do with the Sacred Species, he entered a
cemetery and buried the Host in the ground.
A priest was passing by the place at the
moment. Informed by the unhappy young
man of the sacrilege he had just committed,
he removed the earth that covered the Holy
Eucharist, and found the Sacred Host
changed into a beautiful Child. He took
it up reverently to carry it to the church,
when suddenly a dazzling light surrounded
the miraculous Child, who escaped from the
hands of the priest and ascended toward
heaven.2
In the year 1153, St. Bernard, by order of
his superiors, was sent to Guienne, where
William of Aquitaine, the powerful and
1 Henschen, in Act. Sanct., ad xii. diem Junii.
2 Jean de Gheest : Les Lettres, Louvain 1380.
136 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
haughty duke of that province, violently
persecuted those who adhered to the true
Pope, and had on that account expelled the
bishops of Poitiers and Limoges. This Wil-
liam was a prince of high birth, immense
wealth, gigantic stature and extraordinary
ability, but full of the worldly spirit. St.
Bernard took occasion to visit him and
endeavored to reclaim him from his scanda-
lous disorders. The Duke listened to him
for several days, and appeared to be much
affected by his discourses on the last things
and the fear of God. Nevertheless he was
not yet converted. St. Bernard, who had
learned never to despair of the most obstinate
sinners, finding he could not prevail upon
him to restore the two bishops, at length
had recourse to more powerful arms. He
went to say Mass, the duke and other
schismatics staying outside the door, as being
excommunicated persons. After the Conse-
cration, the holy Abbot put the Host upon the
paten, and carrying it out, with his eyes
sparkling with zeal, charity and devotion,
and his countenance all on fire, spoke to the
duke, no longer as a suppliant, but with a
voice of authority: " Hitherto we have
entreated you and prayed you, and you have
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 137
always slighted us. Now, therefore, the Son
of the Virgin, the Lord and Head of the
Church you persecute, comes in person to see
if you will repent. He is your Judge, at whose
name every, knee bends, both in heaven,
earth and hell. He is the just revenger
of your crimes, into whose hands this, your
obstinate soul, will one day fall. Will you
despise Him? Will you slight Him as you
have slighted His servants? Will you?" The
duke not being able to bear any longer, fell
down in a swoon. The Saint lifted him up,
and bade him salute the Bishop of Poiters,
who was present. The astonished prince was
not able to speak, but went to the Bishop
and led him by the hand to his seat in the
Church, expressing by that action that he re-
nounced the schism and restored the Bishop to
his see. After this the Saint returned to the
altar and finished the Holy Sacrifice. After
a time the duke renounced the world and en-
tering upon a penitential life, lived austerely
until God called him to eternal bliss.1
In the process of the canonization of St.
Francis Borgia, A.D. 1572, it was proved, as
a continual miracle, that he never entered any
1 Butler's "Lives," Aug. 20th.
138 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
church without having an interior conscious-
ness of the place where the Blessed Sacrament
was reserved. Whenever he could, he visited
the Blessed Sacrament in the churches.
His continual and protracted illness and
infirmities were a source of consolation rather
than affliction to this holy man of God;
Father Louis von Guzman, tells us that it
was once his happiness to render some as-
sistance to the Saint during a very severe ill-
ness. His sickness had this peculiarity — that
he continually fell into a lethargy. Each
morning there were two hours in which he
was awake and cheerful. Of these he em-
ployed one in preparation for Holy Com-
munion, and the other in thanksgiving, after
which he sank again into his deathly lethargy,
which lasted the wliole day.
When still a layman, the Saint usually
spent three days in preparation before Holy
Communion, which may be the more readily
understood, when we learn that such were
the raptures which took place in his soul when
he offered up the Sacred Mysteries, that the
hour for vespers would frequently find him
wdth the Holy Sacrifice still unfinished, on
which account he seldom said Mass in public.1
1 Ott. Eucharisticum.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 139
At Fecamp, in Normandy, a priest of
great sanctity solemnly sang the Mass of
the day on which was celebrated the Dedi-
cation of the Church of the Holy Trinity.
At the moment of Holy Communion, the
Host in the hands of the priest suddenly
changed into a beautiful child. He made
a sign to the deacon to call the Bishops
present at the solemnity. By their order
he transported the miraculous Host to a
tabernacle, there to preserve it. This hap-
pened in the year 1182. Rev. Father
Michael Mueller makes mention of this
miracle in his work "The Blessed Eu-
charist."1
Reflection
Father Faber in one of his works says:
"The ways of visiting the Blessed Sacrament
must ,be as various as the souls of men.
Some love to go there to listen; some to
speak; some to confess to Him as if He were
their priest; some to examine their con-
sciences, as before their judge; some to do
homage to their king; some to study Him
as their doctor and prophet; some to find
their shelter as with their Creator. Some
1 Chronicles of Vezelay and Tours, 1186. Die Hlg.
Euchuristia. Huguet.
140 READINGS AXD REFLECTIONS
rejoice in His divinity, others in His sacred
humanity, others in the mysteries of the
season. Some visit Him on different days
according to His different titles, — as God,
Father, brother, shepherd, head of the
Church, and the like. Some visit to adore,
some to intercede, some to petition, some to
return thanks, some to get consolation;
but all visit Him to love, and to all who
visit Him in love He is a power of heavenly
grace, and a fountain of many goods, no
single one of which the whole created uni-
verse could either merit or confer.' '
Can we ever give fitting worship to the
Son of God present on our altars? Here
He is in all His infinite majesty, dwelling
beneath a lowly form. His sacred Body,
His precious Blood, His blessed soul, His
adorable divinity are actually and truly
present here before our eyes.
And all this had been done for our sake.
So great is His love for us and His longing
to be with us, that His unquenchable desire
had induced Him to renounce all and conceal
His divinity beneath these humble veils.
His love was only satisfied when He put it
in the power of each one of us "To taste and
see that the Lord is sweet/' to feel Him in our
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 141
very soul, to become one flesh and blood with
God Himself! Could Jesus have given us a
greater proof of His love than this? No,
we say it with all reverence, — in His infinite
power even He could not discover anything
more wonderful, more magnificent. It is
God's miracle of miracles!
"I will sing praises to Thee in the sight
of the angels; I will worship towards Thy
Holy Temple, before the altar on which
Thou deignest to dwell for love of me; I
will give glory to Thy name, for the mercy
Thou dost exercise towards us in deigning
to dwell among the children of men, and
for Thy Truth."
jftttentti) Ifteatung and Eeflectton
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Legenda
GAESARIUS of Heisterbach, a pious and
learned monk of the Cistercian monas-
tery Heisterbach relates the following legend :
A pious priest named Andrew, together with
many other devout Christians, made a pil-
grimage to the Holy Land. The vessel in
which they were to return was to set sail on
Easter Sunday morning. So all embarked
on that day except the holy priest and sailed
off. This good priest preferred to let his
fellow-pilgrims start than to omit saying
Mass. He went to the wharf to obtain, if
possible, a small fast-sailing bark to over-
take the other pilgrims. Wonderful to re-
late, a beautiful youth suddenly appeared
before him on horseback, and said: "You
preferred not to start with the other pil-
grims rather than lose Mass; get then on
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 143
my horse with me and I will conduct you
safely back to your own country." Andrew
accepted the offer and soon fell asleep a
little while. When he awoke, the young
man, who was an angel of the Lord, said
to him: "Do you know where you are?"
"Kind sir," replied the priest quite amazed,
"I can hardly trust my eyes; it seems to me
I am in my fatherland; this is the street in
which I live; this is my house; these are
the houses of my friends and neighbors; but
how is it possible that I could come home by
land in so short a time?" "Nevertheless it
is so," said the angel; "your way has been
shortened because you said Mass." Thus
the good priest was taken home in a few
minutes, whilst his companions remained ex-
posed to all the storms and dangers of a sea
voyage for two months. It was thus that
the Lord honored the holy priest, because
he had been infinitely honored by him in
the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.1
The circumstances attending the death of
St. Ephrem were very edifying. His con-
fidence in the precious fruits of the Holy
1 Dialogus Magnus.
144 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
Eucharist raised his hopes and inflamed his
love, especially in his passage to eternity.
In his "Necrosima" he thus expressed him-
self: " Entering upon so long and dangerous
a journey, I have my Viaticum, even Thee,
0 Son of God! In my extreme spiritual
hunger, I will feed upon Thee, O Repairer
of Mankind. So it shall be that no fire will
dare to approach me; for it will not be able
to bear the sweet saving odor of Thy Body
and Blood."
The Saint having ceased to speak, continued
in silent prayer till he calmly gave up his soul
to God. He died at a very advanced age.
His festival was kept at Edessa immediately
after his death. On this occasion, St. Greg-
ory of Nyssa, delivered his panegyric, which
he concluded with this address to the Saint:
"You are now assisting at the Divine Altar,
and, before the Prince of Life, praising the
Most Holy Trinity. Remember us all, and
obtain for us the pardon of our sins."
God rewarded the zeal of His servant St.
Hugh by a miracle.
At the close of the twelfth century, the
holy Bishop was one day in the manor of
his domains, called Bukkdan. He was sur-
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 145
rounded by his priests who came to offer
him their respects, but whose wealth and
haughty spirit had more than once excited
the indignation of the holy prelate. When
about to begin the celebration of Holy
Mass, the Bishop was detained by a delega-
tion of Religious of a neighboring monastery
who presented some rich vestments and a
chalice of great value to be blessed. St.
Hugh thought this a favorable opportunity
to rebuke the priests who were with him.
After consecrating the chalice, he went
among the clergy and presented it for
inspection so that they might admire the
material, the shape, and the exquisite work-
manship. In the eyes of the holy prelate
nothing was more worthy of eulogy than
the solicitude of the men, consecrated to the
service of God, who believe that enough can
never be done to decorate the altar and treat
the divine Mysteries with honor. No words
were too severe too stigmatize ecclesiastics
who, notwithstanding their large revenues,
left the House of God in a careless and
dilapidated condition.
The Bishop, after convincing himself that
he had taught his clergy a very salutary
j lesson, ascended the altar. God was pleased
146 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
to recompense the zeal of the saintly prel-
ate by working a miracle during the con-
secration of the Mass. The mystic words
which change the bread into the body of
Christ had been pronounced when all
present perceived that the saint held in his
hands the Savior Himself under a human
form. Christ appeared as a very small
child, who, with arms raised to heaven,
offered Himself to His heavenly Father for
the salvation of the world. From His
divine Person there shot forth rays of light
of surpassing beauty. Continuing the Sacri-
fice, the Bishop again elevated the Host in
order to break It, and the same prodigy was
renewed. At the moment of Holy Com-
munion, Jesus appeared for the third time
in the hands of the Bishop.
In remembrance of this miracle St. Hugh
is generally represented as holding a chalice,
above which stands a little child encircled
by luminous rays.1
As St. Paschal was watching his sheep
on the mountainside one day, he heard the
consecration bell ring out from the church
in the valley below, where the villagers were
1 His life by Robert du Mont.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 147
assembled at Mass. The saint had hardly
fallen upon his knees, when there stood before
him an angel of God, bearing in his hands a
Sacred Host, and offering it for his adoration.
Learn from this how pleasing to Jesus
Christ are those who honor Him in this
great mystery of His love, and how the
following promise is especially fulfilled with
regard to them: "I will not leave you
orphans, I will come unto you."
St. Paschal Baylon, whom Pope Leo XIII
proclaimed in 1897 the Patron of the Eucha-
ristic Congress, was a simple lay brother of
the Franciscan Order, distinguished by an
extraordinary devotion to the sacred mystery
of the altar. While still in the world, he
never suffered a day to pass without visiting,
when possible, Jesus in the tabernacle, and
later, as a religious, he was accustomed to
spend hours at the foot of the altar, where
he was often raised from the ground by the
fervor of his prayer.1
In the lives of holy priests we read how
they were often visited with extraordinary
favors during the oblation of the sacred
mysteries.
^tt: Eucharistium, page 376. Bolland, Tom. IV.
148 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
St. Herbert, the great and famous arch-
bishop of Cologne, was touched with such
devotion while saying Mass, that his face,
which habitually bore marks of the virtues
with which his holy soul was adorned, then
became so luminous and resplendent that
he seemed an angel rather than a man.
What were the transports of St. Lawrence
Justinian? His body became, as it were,
immovable, and had only sufficient motion
to serve his soul, which was totally taken up
with his sublime action; his face shone with
angelic modesty, his eyes distilled tears,
and his mind was transported by the force
of ravishments.
John of Alvernia, while one day saying
Mass, was so wrapped in a divine and
ineffable sense of God that he was hardly
able to proceed. After he had pronounced
the words of consecration, he became, as it
were, unconscious of himself, being wholly
lost in the divinity of the mysteries which
he was performing.
The Abbot Euthymius used to tell in
private conversation that often while saying
Mass he saw troops of angels standing
round him.
Severus relates that while St. Martin was
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 149
saying Mass, a fiery globe used to appear
above his head. St. Euthenius used to see
a great fire and light coming down from
heaven, and enveloping him and his assistant
to the end of the Holy Sacrifice. In the
same manner the Holy Ghost came upon
St. Anastatius, and surrounded him in the
form of a fiery flame while celebrating the
Sacred Mysteries.
Reflection
How long has not this memorial of love —
the Sacrament of the altar — been among
men? Only once did Jesus change water
into wine; only once did He enter the house
of Zaccheus; only once did He appear on
Mount Thabor, His countenance shining as
the sun and His garments whiter than snow;
but for upwards of eighteen hundred years,
bread has not ceased to be changed into
His Body, and wine into His Blood. The
mighty words, "Do this in commemoration
of Me/' are still re-echoing throughout the
Church and will be re-echoing till the con-
summation of the world. Wherever there
is a priest the heavenly work goes on, and
will go on without cessation throughout the
ages.
150 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
Mary, our blessed Mother, was the first
adorer of Jesus Christ. Therefore those
who wish to know the intimate secrets of
divine Love, and the hidden power of
divinity hidden under humble veils, will
best obtain this knowledge through the
Immaculate Heart of Mary. Let us always
unite ourselves with her. She was with
her divine Son during the most important
incidents of His life, and she suffered with
Him during His Passion; surely, then, she
ought indeed to be the model of all adorers
of the Blessed Sacrament.
" 0 Mary, for the glory of your divine Son
in the Sacrament of His love, we beg of you
above all to make Him known and loved.
Raise up to Him Apostles of fire, and through-
out the whole world multitudes of adorers,
that Jesus therein guiding and nourishing
our souls, we may live with you in everlasting
glory."
fefetemtf) Ifteatung anti l&ettection
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Legenda
ST. BEDE in his Ecclesiastical History,
relates the following fact which he
received from the very lips of the one to
whom it occurred.
King Egfried and King Ethelbert were at
one time at war with each other, when it
happened that a young man belonging to
the former was left as dead on the battlefield.
For a night and a day he remained there
totally unconscious, till at last glimmerings
of intelligence returned to him. Bracing
himself, he bound up his wounds as best he
could and proceeded to leave the scene of
the engagement, when he was unfortunately
discovered by the enemy and taken before
King Ethelbert.
To save his life he misrepresented his
identity and answered the monarch's query
152 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
with the words: "I am a poor peasant and
have a large family. I came to bring
provisions to the soldiers." Whereupon the
king ordered his wounds to be dressed, but
as soon as he had sufficiently recovered, the
sovereign took care to have him shackled in
order to prevent his escape. As soon as he
was bound, however, the shackles loosened
as if by a mysterious power.
Now it happened that the young man had
a brother who was a priest, and abbot of
the monastery of Tunacester. At the conclu-
sion of the battle the clergyman inquiring
of his brother's fate was told that he was
slain. After a prolonged search, finding a
body which he supposed to be his brother's,
he had it conveyed to the monastery, w^here
it was given Christian burial. For many
days the holy man offered up the Holy
Sacrifice for the repose of his brother's soul,
and it was afterwards learned that it was at
the very hour when Mass was celebrated that
the shackles fell from the prisoner's limbs.
The king, hearing of the mysterious action
of the shackles, asked the young man if
he had recourse to incantations and spells.
"0 king," he replied, "I know nothing of
these evil things. Only this I know, that I
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 153
have a brother a priest, and he, thinking that
I was among the slain, had no doubt been
offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for
me. Were my soul in the other world, I
know that during this Sacrifice it would be
free from pain. Why then should it not
have the power to loosen my fetters, im-
prisoned as I am?" The young man could
no longer feign disguise, for his countenance,
demeanor, and conversation betrayed that
he was not a mere peasant. Thereupon,
when the king promised that no harm would
befall him if he would declare his identity,
he revealed that he was a servant of King
Egfried. Untrue to his word, Ethelbert
immediately ordered him to be sold. A
merchant of Friesland bought him, and again
the galling fetters encircled his limbs, but
some supernatural power rendered them
useless as before. Stronger shackles replaced
the others with the same result. All efforts
to keep the young man in chains proving
ineffectual, the purchaser at last gave him
permission to procure his ransom. This he
had but little difficulty in doing.
On arriving in his own country, he at
once sought his brother and told him all
that had happened. From the lips of the
154 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
priest he learned that Mass had been cele-
brated for him at nine o'clock every morning
the very hour that the shackles had loosened
and dropped from his limbs. Many other
blessings had been showered upon him by
reason of his brother's supplication. The*
people on hearing of these wonders became
more fervent than ever in prayer, generously
giving alms and having Masses said for
their departed, being now fully convinced
that the Holy Sacrifice procures the redemp-
tion of both soul and body.1
In the life of Cure d'Ars, in his instructions
for First Holy Communion we read the fol-
lowing: UA certain holy priest was praying
for his friend who had departed this life.
God had, it appears, made known to the
priest that he was in purgatory; and accord-
ingly he offered the Holy Sacrifice of the
Mass for his soul. When he came to the
moment of consecration, he took the Sacred
Host into his hand, and said: '0 Holy and
Eternal Father, Thou hast the soul of my
friend, who is in purgatory, and I have the
Body of Thy Son, who is in my hand. Do
1 Ecclesiastical History by Ven. Bede, Book IV, c.
XXII, page 753.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 155
Thou deliver my friend, and I will offer
Thee Thy Son with all the merits of His
death and Passion.' In fact, at the moment
of the elevation, he saw the soul of his friend
rising to heaven, all radiant with glory. " 1
Philip Augustus, a young man of princely
extraction, knew how in the midst of the
pleasures of the court to unite admirable
piety and purity of life with the most brilliant
courage. Some time after his coronation,
in 1180, he assisted at Holy Mass at St.
Leger, a very favored chateau of his realm.
On this spot God wished to bestow upon him
a mark of His predilection. At the elevation
of the Sacred Host, the young monarch
perceived in the hands of the celebrant a
little child of striking beauty, encircled with
light, around whom groups of angels were
crowding in adoration before their mighty
King. The Prince burst into tears at this
spectacle, and prostrated with his face to
the ground to return thanks to God, Who
knows when it pleases Him how to reveal
His secrets to those who live in accord with
His divine Will.2
1 His life by A. Monnin Neus, Schwann.
2 Examples by Dr. Herbest, Chap. 2, page 294.
156 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
About the year 1837, on the Feast of
Corpus Christi, several of the citizens of
Duren, near Aix-la-Chapelle, were sitting
together in an inn fronting on the great
market-place, when the solemn procession
of the Blessed Sacrament passed by. Among
those present was the son of the burgo-
master. Now as the priest gave benediction
with the Blessed Sacrament at the altar
that had been erected in the square, this
young man held up a silver dollar in his
hand and mocked the sacred ceremony.
In a few days the very arm with which he
had committed this crime began to mortify.
After a short time, the unhappy man died.1
Reflection
"0 beautiful sight/' says St. Liguori, "to
see Jesus on that day when, tired and worn
out, He sat down by the fountain, waiting
for the sinful woman of Samaria to convert
and save her. Does it not seem to be the
same on our altars which are so many foun-
tains of grace? Does He not there wait for
souls? Does He not invite them to come
to Him that He may draw them to His
perfect love? 0 my Savior, who workest
1 Tabernakelwacht, 1903,
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 157
here so many miracles, grant this one also,
I beseech Thee, of drawing me wholly to
Thyself."
Jesus loves us: Let us then say to Him
with the pious Eustelle: "O Jesus, love of
my soul, my heart would wish to possess You
without end and without interruption. You
are my life, my light, my joy, my peace and
my all. 0 heavenly friend, the glances You
cast on me attract all the inclinations of my
heart towards You." °
In His Eucharistic life, as in His natural
life, Jesus Christ is employed in doing good.
How admirable are the works He performs
through the Holy Eucharist. Who could
reckon the number of miracles He has
wrought and still performs through life?
How many blind see, how many lepers are
cured, how many dead are raised to life
through the virtue of His adorable flesh;
that sweet Savior continues through the
Holy Eucharist His merciful journey through
the centuries, forgiving sins, casting out
devils, and delivering us from our infirmities.
To how many souls who are paralytic, has
He not spoken from the interior of the taber-
nacle, saying: " Arise and walk." To how
many blind has He not restored sight? How
158 READINGS AXD REFLECTIONS
many dead has He not, by the efficacy of the
Sacrifice of the Mass, sent back living to
the Church which was mourning their loss?
To every soul that calls on Him, He says:
"Arise above thy miseries; I am here to
enrich thee with many graces." How clearly
He enlightens devout souls that have re-
course to Him in their doubts. What con-
solations He makes those enjoy who are
wholly devoted to Him. How thoroughly
He communicates to them the flames of
love which consume His divine Heart.
Surely we must admire Christ's bountiful
goodness in giving us the Most Holy Sacra-
ment of the altar in which He becomes our
very food, for did He not say: "Take ye
and eat, this is my Body." And this divine
Food we may have as often as we wish to
partake of it.
St. Denis tells us that all good is diffusive
of itself. Now as God is infinitely good,
His goodness must be infinitely diffusive,
and so He has really shown Himself through-
out the centuries by remaining with us in
the Sacrament of His Love. Must we not
then exclaim, "0 infinite goodness of God,
how unsearchable are Thy ways."
Christ's goodness and love towards His
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 159
creatures manifests itself most forcibly be-
cause He instituted the Blessed Eucharist
the very night upon which He was betrayed,
— yea, at the very moment when the execu-
tioners were preparing the nails and the cross
for Him. Consumed with love for man,
He transubstantiated the elements of bread
and wine into His body and blood that
men might partake of this heavenly food.
Ah, truly, the love of Jesus can neither
be fathomed nor understood. The Royal
Prophet meditating on God's love for us
exclaimed in wonderment: "Oh! how good
is the God of Israel! " With how much
more astonishment ought we not to cry out:
"How surpassing good is the Lord our God
reposing on our altars."
"Would, 0 my God," cries out Bossuet,
"that I had the zeal of Thy angels and of
all Thy blessed saints. But still it would
not be sufficient were all creatures, animate
and inanimate, changed into pure love,
Thou wouldst not even then be loved as
much as Thou deservest for Thy most
amiable goodness." "Come and hear, all
ye that fear the Lord, and I will tell you
what things He hath done for my soul."
&ebenteent& l&eatuno; anti Reflection
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Legenda
IN a monastery in Tyrol, about the year
1310, under the abbacy of Ruprecht as
the chronicles of the Order record, a priest
gave way to doubts while about to consume
the Precious Blood during Mass. While
these misgivings were harassing his mind,
God in His infinite goodness performed a
miracle to vindicate the word of His divine
Son. In his very hands the wine in the
chalice, which of course had retained its
usual color and taste at the consecration,
began to change into red blood. Part of
this blood was preserved by order of the
Abbot, and to this day is venerated in the
abbey church, together with the purificator
with which the chalice was purified.
After many spiritual favors had been
granted to those who had visited the church,
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 161
Bishop George of Brixen caused a com-
mittee to investigate the miraculous event.
Since that time the church has been extended
and the altar has been removed, but a mar-
ble slab marks the spot where the miracle
occurred.1
Bolandus relates of St. Coleta that, one
day, when she was hearing the Mass of her
confessor, she suddenly exclaimed at the
elevation: "My God! O Jesus! O ye angels
and saints! 0 ye men and sinners, behold
the great marvels !" After the Mass her con-
fessor asked her why she had wept so bit-
terly and uttered such pitiable cries. "Had
your Reverence/' said she, " heard and seen
the things which I heard and saw, perhaps
you would have wept and cried out more
than I did." "What was it that you saw?"
asked her confessor again. "Although that
which I heard and saw," she replied, "is so
sublime and so divine that no man can
ever find words to express it in a becoming
manner, yet I will endeavor to describe it to
your Reverence as well as my feeble language
will permit. When your Reverence raised
the Sacred Host, I saw our Lord Jesus Christ
1 Exemplare by Bierman, cap. 11, page 508. Scherer:
Bibliothek, d. Prediger, page 501.
162 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
as if hanging on the cross, shedding His
Blood, and praying to His heavenly Father
in most lamentable accents: 1 Behold, O
my Father, in what condition I was once
hanging on the cross and suffering for the
redemption of mankind.' "
Mrs. Hugh Fraser, in " Italian Days/'
gives us the following account of a miracle
in connection with the Blessed Sacrament:
" After the accession of Pius IX his brother,
Cardinal Ferretti, a most wise and saintly
man, acted as his Prime Minister for a time
before the Revolution. His memory was
greatly venerated in Rieti, where he was
Cardinal Bishop. While he was there a
terrible crime was committed. One of the
churches was broken into at night, the
tabernacle violated, and the pyx containing
the Blessed Sacrament stolen. On learning
of this frightful sacrilege the Cardinal called
all his clergy together next morning and
the entire assembly, with bare feet and ropes
around their necks, went in procession to
the public square. The city's inhabitants
gathered around them while the Cardinal,
standing bareheaded and barefooted under
the noonday sun, preached a sermon, taking
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 163
for his text the cry of Mary Magdalen on
Easter morning: 'They have taken away
my Lord; and I know not where they have
laid Him/ When the sermon ended, the
people were kneeling on the stones, sobbing
like children. That night the door of the
church was left open, and the pyx was re-
stored, its sacred contents intact. "
St. Aloysius, when not occupied at home,
could always be found at the foot of the
altar, while St. Francis Xavier and St.
John Francis Regis often passed whole
nights before the tabernacle, thus reposing
on the heart of Jesus after the many toils
performed on their laborious missions.
Father Salesio, of the Society of Jesus,
felt the greatest consolation in even speaking
of the Blessed Sacrament, and he never
could visit it often enough. When sum-
moned to the gate, when returning to his
room, or passing from one part of the house
to another, he made use of all those oppor-
tunities to repeat his visits to his beloved
Lord, so that it was remarked that scarcely
an hour of the day elapsed without his
visiting Him. Thus, at length, he merited
the grace of martyrdom at the hands of the
164 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
heretics, while defending the Real Presence
in the Blessed Sacrament.
"The Manna with which the Jews were
fed in the desert/ ' says St. Cyril of Alex-
andria, "did not bring the Eternal Life,
but only a momentary refreshment: it was
not the true bread, which cometh down from
heaven. The Body of Jesus Christ, however,
nourishes us not in a bodily way but to eter-
nal life as our divine Savior Himself has de-
clared. The Jews drank the water which
flowed from the rock. What advantage did
they derive from it since they are dead?
That water was not the true drink; the true
drink is the Blood of Jesus Christ, by vir-
tue of which the empire of death is uprooted
from its foundation, for it is the Blood of
Him Who, united to substantial life, has be-
come our life.
"0 most amiable sweet Savior," says St.
Francis of Sales, "what other food can give
eternal life, but Thy Body? A living bread
was necessary to give life, a bread which
had come down from heaven to give heavenly
life, a bread which was Thyself to give
immortal and eternal life. The manna,
although a true figure of Thy Body, has not
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 165
the power. 0 holy and glorious life, it is in
the communion of the Body and Blood of my
divine Savior that I find the pledge of my
happy eternity. "
" Thrown into prisons/' says Massillon,
" shackled like criminals, they whom the
world despised, chaste virgins, fervent souls,
sacred ministers, all partook of the Bread
of Benediction in their dungeons. What
joy in their chains; what composure in
those dark and frightful places; what songs
of thanksgiving in those gloomy quarters
where the eye rested on nothing but the sad
picture of death and instruments of the
most cruel sufferings. How often did they
not say to Jesus Christ, present with them
in the Adorable Sacrament: 'Ah! we feel
no misery, O Lord, because Thou art with
us. Happy fetters which Thou deignest to
uphold. Holy prisons which are conse-
crated by Thy presence. Agreeable gloom
where Thou dost fill our souls with light.
Cherished death which is about to unite us
with Thee, and to tear asunder the veils
which conceal Thee from our eyes.'"
"The Blood of Christ/' says St. Cyril,
"falls upon our souls in Holy Communion
166 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
like a light dew, which refreshes and reani-
mates all that is drooping to earth. The
soul no longer sees anything but heaven.
Her virtue takes deep root, and grows like
a cedar, which neither winds nor storm can
break down. She resembles the olive tree
in the fruitfulness of her good works, and the
odor of her life pours itself out like that of
the flower in spring.
Reflection
Christ's goodness and mercy to man
manifests itself most remarkably in the
Holy Eucharist by His remaining with us
even to the end of time. He dwells con-
tinually on the altar, not in one consecrated
Host but in all; not for a short time but
to the end of the world. How wonderful
and incomprehensible, then, is not Christ's
goodness to us, remaining ever with His
poor creatures, not in one place, or in one
Host only, but in all places and in all conse-
crated Hosts throughout the world. We
need not carry our household gods from one
city to another as did the heathens of pagan
Rome. No matter where we go, our only God
is there in the tabernacle of the Catholic
Church, ready to welcome us if we wish to come.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 167
"As the eagles gather about the body,"
says St. Ambrose, "so the faithful should
gather about the Blessed Sacrament." Here
we can tender thanks to Christ for His
bountiful goodness, here we can evoke acts
of faith, humility, love, and other virtues.
During the Holy Hour, let our hearts
admire and our hearts adore God's supreme
abasement in the Blessed Sacrament. Let
us pour out our heartfelt prayer in some
such words as these :
"Eternal praise and glory be to Thee,
O my God and Savior, sole source of every
good. But of myself, what am I that I
should even dare to offer You my praise?
Alas, I am but dust and ashes, a mere
nothing in Thy sight. How then can I
presume to praise Thee, my Lord and my
God?"
"Mayest Thou be praised, 0 Lord my
God, by Thine incomprehensible power, by
Thine infinite wisdom, by Thine ineffable
bounty; may Thine unbounded clemency,
Thine inexhaustible mercy, Thine eternal
virtue and divinity, together with Thy
boundless love which Thou bearest Thy
creatures, praise Thee, 0 my God, Who art
the life of my soul."
168 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
"Mary, my tender Mother, into thy ma-
ternal hands I place these ardent desires of
my heart that thou mayest present them
thyself to His divine majesty. Hasten the
blessed hour in which all humanity prostrate
at the foot of the tabernacle and the osten-
sorium, will with one voice raise this canticle
of praise to thine own glory and to that of
Thy Son: "I salute Thee, I adore Thee,
0 most Holy Body, born of the Virgin Mary."
(Ctg&teentS Ifteatuno; anti Reflection
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Legenda
THE great miracle of Bolsena, Italy, a.d.
1264, at least vouched for as a legend,
was one of the causes that prompted Pope
Urban IV to institute the feast of Corpus
Christi.
It happened that a very pious German
priest made a pilgrimage to Rome about this
time in order that he might be enlightened
and freed from his doubts concerning the
Holy Eucharist at the very fountain-head
of Christianity. His faith in the Real
Presence had been badly shaken, for he had
misgivings about the transubstantiation of
the wine. As he could not explain the
mystery, he frequently had recourse to God
to dispel his doubts, but all his prayers
seemed to him in vain.
170 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
On his way to the Eternal City he stopped
at Bolsena, Italy, and forthwith repaired to
the church of St. Christina to celebrate Mass.
Here God worked a miracle in behalf of his
wavering soul to free him from affliction.
At the words of consecration, when the mys-
terious change of the substance took place,
the Sacred Blood in the chalice suddenly
became agitated and trickled over the rim
of the corporal under the appearance of
blood. Trembling with fear and emotion,
his first impulse was to conceal the incident,
but as he was folding the linen to put it
away, he noticed, to his surprise, blood stains
on the marble altar table.
Now it was no longer possible for the priest
to hide the miracle, and learning that Pope
Urban IV was at that moment in the neigh-
borhood of Orvieto, he hurried thither.
Full of penitence, he related everything to
his Holiness and was absolved. The Pope
then commanded the blood-sprinkled corporal
to be brought, and when convinced of the
miracle had it carried with great solemnity to
the cathedral. The marble stones upon
which the blood had fallen were kept with
great reverence in the church of St. Christina
at Bolsena, where to this day they are ven-
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 171
erated by the people. In the year 1290
Pope Nicholas IV laid the foundation stone
of a beautiful church in which the corporal
is preserved to the present day. This church
for grandeur and size bears comparison with
any in the world. Raphael, the renowned
artist, perpetuated the memory of the
miracle by a mural painting in the Vatican.1
St. Peter Damien, one of the great Doctors
of the Church, recounts several Eucharistic
miracles in his writings. The following
happened in Italy, in the city of Amalfi,
about the year 1050.
"In the presence of the Pope," says the
holy Doctor, "the Bishop of Amalfi has
declared to us under oath that one day,
while celebrating Mass, his mind was troubled
with a thought against Faith. It seemed
impossible for him to believe the Real
Presence of our divine Lord in the Eucharistic
Species. He had entertained this doubt at
the very time when he divided the Sacred
Host. To his utter astonishment the Eucha-
1 De Ser. Dei Beatif ., Benedict XIV, by Bonca. Istoria
et org. festa del Corpus Domini, " Pelican," No. 11,
1894. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Vol. XI, page 332, and
XII, page 644.
172 READINGS AXD REFLECTIONS
ristic Bread was replaced in his hands by the
visible flesh of the hidden Lord and his
fingers were stained with blood. He fell
on his knees in adoration, filled with re-
pentance and faith, and the Host resumed
its ordinary form. Such is the Sacrament of
Love, so terrible to those who dare touch
it with unworthy hands."1
Saint Francis Caracciolo in childhood
shunned all amusements and instead loved
to visit the Blessed Sacrament. As he grew
older, and after he had been made General
of the Order of Clerks Regular, he passed
most of the night before the Tabernacle.
In the presence of his Divine Lord, his face
usually emitted brilliant rays of light, and he
often bathed the ground with tears when he
prayed prostrate on his face before the
hidden Lord. Francis was commonly called
"The Preacher of Divine Love."
Philip II, King of Spain, on one occasion
showed his untiring devotion towards the
Blessed Sacrament by accompanying a priest
who was carrying the Holy Viaticum to a
sick person at a great distance. As the
1 Der Heilige Petrus Damien, by Kleinennanns.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 173
king walked all the way, the priest asked his
royal highness if he were not tired. ' 1 Tired V 9
he replied; "my servants waiting on me
day and night never complain of being tired.
Shall I then plead fatigue when I am in the
company of my Lord whom I can never
sufficiently love and honor?"
An American lady, an Anglican, entered
the Cathedral of St. Paul, Pittsburgh, Pa.,
for the first time one Sunday. Let us hear
her own account of the visit :
"I knelt down mechanically, without
much prayer, but perfectly quiet. That
afternoon I returned and took a seat on the
first bench facing the high altar, neither
praying nor thinking much of anything, but
peaceful and full of consolation, like a child
resting on the bosom of its mother. I
glanced carelessly at the faithful coming and
going: young and old, men and women, boys
and girls, the rich, the poor, — all repre-
sented in that procession of humanity, all
coming to lay their cares, their chagrins, their
hopes, their desires, in a word, all that
troubled them, before the Friend hidden be-
hind the tabernacle door always ready to
listen to them.
"Soon a very positive and distinct thought
174 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
entered my mind. In what other church
would one behold such a gathering? If the
Real Presence should disappear from these
precincts, would this incomparable pro-
cession continue? The shades of evening
had fallen on the nave, the priests had
quitted their confessionals, and the church
was empty save for the presence of the
Master who fills all things, — and then I
lost consciousness of everything. Now I
can say nothing more, explain nothing
more, except that with the Blessed Mother,
Mary, I caught myself saying: 1 Behold the
handmaid of the Lord, may it be done unto
me according to Thy word.'"
Some time after, the son of the lady, a
pronounced Ritualist, was also converted
by the Blessed Sacrament. His mother
wrote to a friend: "I am sure that you will
be glad to know that my youngest son is
at this moment a Catholic, and charmed
at being one. Like myself, it was the silent
power of the Prisoner of the Tabernacle
that converted him. As for myself, I limited
my zeal to praying every day for his conver-
sion. On Christmas morning I asked him
whether he would like to come with me to
Solemn High Mass with one of his Catholic
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 175
friends. He assented. In the afternoon
he assisted at Vespers with the same young
man. On his return he came to me and
said: 'Ah well, mother, I have made up
my mind.' 'Made up your mind to what?'
I asked. 'To become a Catholic.' Oh, that
miraculous surprise! It was much greater
as he had often said to me: 'I will never
become a Catholic.'"1
The Reverend Father Vermot, says : "There
is no Christian incapable of feeling the pleas-
ure that is produced by the knowledge of
what is contained in the Holy Eucha-
rist. All that is necessary is to desire your
salvation, to sigh after heaven, and to
remember that this Sacrament is the source
of all spiritual riches and the most efficacious
means to satisfy all holy desires. Make the
trial by receiving Holy Communion often.
It corrects our faults without bitterness, it
heals our wounds without pain, it purifies
our heart without violence, it sanctifies
without alarm and almost without a struggle.
It withdraws us from creatures and unites us
to God without agony. Try it, receive the
Blessed Eucharist, receive it often."
1 Tabernacle and Purgatory.
176 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
Reflection
In the Holy Eucharist we see our Lord's
wonderful wisdom displayed for in the
Sacrament of the altar He has contrived
that His Body may be in heaven and on
earth at the same time.
St. Augustine tells us that two loves were
contending in Christ for the mastery when
He was about to leave this world: one was
persuading Him to ascend to heaven, the
other to remain on earth. He saw that
the Holy Ghost would not descend on the
Church if He returned not to His Father,
whereas He knew also how essential it was
for Him to remain on earth to protect the
Church against her enemies. His incom-
parable love, however, devised a method by
which He could leave us and remain with
us. He would stay with us sacramentally
in the form of food, though at the same
time ascending to His heavenly Father.
Therefore did St. Thomas write: "Christ's
Body is truly in heaven and truly on earth."
This is the belief and teaching of our Holy
Mother the Church that our Lord's Body is
in the Eucharist just as it really was on the
cross and as it is now in heaven.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR
177
How wonderful is the wisdom of Christ!
He places His entire humanity and divinity
in a small Host, even in the minutest particle
of it, so that at one and the same time He
is great and small, — great by reason of
His infinite immensity, and small by reason
of the space which He occupies. Though
the saints of the Church have tried to
explain this by similitudes, our minds are
incapable of grasping its full significance.
One holy writer remarks that just as the
lofty figure of a tower or the vast orb of the
sun can be seen by the eye, small as it is, —
also the Body of Christ in its immensity is
contained whole and entire in the smallest
particle of the consecrated Host.
During this Holy Hour let us say: I
thank Thee, 0 divine Savior, for having
through love of me chosen to remain as if
in a state of death in this new tomb of the
tabernacle. I thank Thee for having ac-
cepted, in spite of all Thy rights to glory,
the solitude, the forgetfulness, the state of
a being who no longer counts among the
living. I thank Thee, 0 my Savior, for all
the holy thoughts that are formed before
Thy new sepulcher: the adieus spoken to
the world and its vanity, the heroic resolu-
178 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
tions of living more truly for God in the
secret of His Sacramental Presence.
I thank Thee for all the benefits that I
myself have drawn from it.
Mary, my loving Mother, help me to
thank your Son as He deserves, this God
who loves me so much. Help me to act in
such a way that my own tomb may one
day, like that of thy divine Son, inclose a
victim of divine love.
j|2met«ntf) Ktatuno; anD Inflection
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Legenda
ON Easter Sunday evening, 1795, Father
Ligournais, pastor of Beauvais, in Ven-
dee, was visited by a lady who said to him:
" Father, old man Lambinet, who is eighty,
hasn't eaten anything all day because he
has been waiting for you to let him make
his Easter duty." "Too bad!" exclaimed
the priest, "I had forgotten all about your
good old uncle. But I shall go at once."
A half hour later he set out, carrying the
Blessed Sacrament in a silver pyx sus-
pended from his neck. Eight or ten steps
ahead of him was an altar boy, who, al-
though only fourteen, had the height and
the bravery of a man ever ready to face the
patrol of the Blues (Revolutionaries) guard-
ing the highroad. The priest and acolyte
180 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
cut across fields and bypaths to avoid any-
unbidden guest.
The priest walked on in silence. His
whole mind was concentrated in a voiceless
prayer of adoration. Thus they went on
over the swampy ground, their shadows
lengthening as the twilight drew near. Just
before sunset, however, Father Ligournais
raised his eyes, and saw before him a field,
half green and half white, at the boundary of
which the path terminated. The green por-
tion was covered with a crop rather short or
low; while the other bore a harvest of tall
flowering stalks, waving gently in the breeze
that came from off the sea.
" What's that?" whispered the priest,
whose eyes were a good deal dimmed by
years. "On the right," replied the boy,
" there's a field of flax; on the left, a field
of beans in blossom. We've got to go across
one of them, Father." The priest made no
answer; but when he reached the end of the
path he noticed two farmers who had come
to inspect their fields and estimate the com-
ing crops. He recognized them, and said
to himself: " Which of the two will be
blessed for having loaned his land for the
passage of the Lord?" Hardly had he men-
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 181
tally formed the question when the farmers
answered it for him. The proprietor of the
bean field came forward and cried out
savagely: " Don't tramp through my crop,
priest, or it will be worse for you."
Father Ligournais suppressed his indigna-
tion, and said nothing. The other farmer,
who had drawn near and taken off his hat,
exclaimed: "My flax is going to bloom very
soon; but you and your servant, Father, are
welcome to walk over it with the Blessed
Sacrament." Big Father Ligournais, with
head up now, walked along one of the little
furrows; and as the shadows deepened, heard
the barking of a dog, — the announcement
that he had reached the thatch-roofed dwelling
where the Easter communicant awaited him.
The light of the half -moon made the way
clear enough when the pastor about ten
o'clock set out to regain his humble presby-
tery. His altar boy walked by his side, with
his lantern lit and swinging. When they
reached the two fields they saw nobody in
that of the flax; but at the entrance of the
other, kneeling before the white-topped
stalks, with his arms forming a cross, and
his face toward them, was a man in tears.
As they left the pathway to make their way
182 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
through the flax, he sobbed out: " Father,
Father !" "What are you doing there ?^
asked the priest, "I've been weeping ever
since you went through my neighbor's field.
" Father, let me beg you to go through my
field this time, so that I may do some pen-
ance." Accordingly the priest and altar
boy walked between the tall blossom-covered
plants.
As a matter of fact several extraordinary
things were noticed. The flax through which
the Blessed Sacrament had passed grew
thereafter so thick and so high that no one
could recall the like. Thus was faith re-
warded; but repentance was still more re-
compensed. Not only did the broken stalks
recover in two days, but when harvest time
came, instead of the little white bean, flat
and spotless, they found a large number of
more rounded beans.1
All true virtue has for its foundation the
nourishment of the Holy Eucharist. For
St. Gertrude it was the furnace in which she
kindled her fervor. All her actions before
Holy Communion were a preparation for
that ineffable reception, and all following it
1 Ave Maria, May, 1913.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 183
were offered to our Lord in thanksgiving
for that appreciable benefit.
One day, less prepared than usual, at
least so she thought, she said to herself
regretfully: "Thy Spouse is calling Thee.
How wilt thou go to Him so little prepared?"
Then humbling herself deeply, she replied to
her own thought, and she was right: "What
good will it do to remain away? Hadst
thou a thousand years, thou wouldst not be
able to prepare thyself, having nothing of
thyself to make that preparation. I will go
to the Lord with humility and confidence,
and He will apply the adornment that is
wanting to me." She approached the Holy
Table. Our Lord appeared to her full of
sweetness and, in a symbolic vision, clothed
her in a robe, the divers colors of which
indicated humility, hope and love. Thus
adorned, she received her Lord. At the
moment of communicating, she put the
following question to our Lord: "Lord, what
art Thou going to give me?" The divine
Master answered: " Myself, entire with all
My divine essence, just as the Virgin Mother
received Me at the Annunciation." 1
1 Handbuch der Religion by Dr. Schuster, Vol. Ill,
page 343.
184 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
Reflection
" Great moments of grace/7 says St.
Francis de Sales, "are the short moments
of Benediction. Then we are in the very-
presence of God, we kneel at His sacred feet.
The angels of heaven surround the illumi-
nated altar, as on the holy night when they
surrounded the manger at Bethlehem. The
hour, the flowers, the lighted candles, the
scent of incense, the sweet tones of the or-
gan, all attune the heart and excite the
mind to pious acts and holy aspirations.
In these blessed moments we feel as if
transported to heaven, uniting our prayers
with the supplications of the saints, and our
praises with the music of angelic choirs.
Here, the high and the low, the learned and
the illiterate, the sick and the weary, can
find sympathy with Jesus, and manifold are
those graces wThich come to us from the
hands of our Blessed Savior at Benediction.
Here we are strengthened in our weakness,
enlightened in our doubts, and filled with a
peace that is not of earth. We leave the
church with an immoveable confidence in
God, strong and willing to fight the battle of
life. Just as the scent of incense lingers about
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 185
the sanctuary long after Benediction is over,
so do the graces of this devotion sweeten our
actions long after we have left the house of
God to again take up our daily work." 1
Like the three kings of old, we come
during the Holy Hour to visit Jesus in the
Holy Eucharist. As the crib and the swad-
dling clothes tested their faith, so the taber-
nacle and the form of bread, hiding the
God-man from us, try ours. But like the
Magi let us fall down and offer our homage
to our hidden Savior. As the wise men
recognized the feeble helpless child of the
manger, the Almighty King of heaven and
earth, so let us see with the eyes of faith all
under the form of bread the consubstantial
Son of the living God.
Let us adore and praise Him anew on our
altars for the Holy Fathers of the Church
call this the second birth of Christ. With
what true devotion, ardent love, and strong
conviction should we not approach this
divine Sacrament. With Bouillierie we will
exclaim: "0 ye poor mortals: whosoever
you may be, — how great soever may be
your miseries or your desolation, your
1 His life by Dr. Lager, page 609.
186 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
anxieties or your pains, your infidelities or
your faults, — in the presence of the Holy
Eucharist be consoled, be calmed, be re-
assured. In the tabernacle, Jesus Christ,
the God-man, is hidden; here the heart of
Jesus watches that this vigil may give you
confidence; weak and sinful though you be,
fear not — in the Eucharist the heart of
God watches. Here is your strength. 0 my
Jesus, grant that I may never be wanting
in that confidence which Thou hast a right
to expect from Thy faithful followers. O
heart of Jesus, watch over me; enkindle in
me the desire to love Thee more and more."
"Be thou blessed, 0 holy Virgin, through
whom we receive the heavenly bread that
preserves and increases true life within us."
" Through thee, Jesus comes to me. Oh,
grant that through thee I may truly go to
Him. Communicate to my poor heart the
divine fires with which thine was inflamed
towards me. O my loving mother, teach me
and help me to adore Him, praise Him, love
Him, and please Him; obtain for me that I
may receive Him with fervor in the Holy Com-
munion, retain Him in my soul, and unite
myself to Him so intimately that nothing
shall be able to break or weaken the union."
{ponttietfi Eeatung and Keflectton
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Legenda
IN the year 1847, Herman Cohn, a very
renowned pianist of Paris, was converted
from the Jewish faith by means of the
Blessed Sacrament. One evening, during
the month of May, the devotions were to
be carried out with great solemnity at the
church of St. Valere. Singers in choirs and
other friends of music had united to render
a special program. The Prince of Moscow
was leader of the choir. He extended an
invitation to Herman Cohn, who then
resided in Paris, to conduct the chorus.
Herman took no part in the service, and
even talked and laughed during the sermon,
but when the moment arrived for Benediction
of the Most Blessed Sacrament a peculiar
feeling came over him. He himself says:
188 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
" Although I was not at all moved to bow the
knee with the rest of the multitude, I felt
within myself an inexplicable commotion.
Without giving it a thought I bent my
knee."
From this time he was often seen at
Benediction, and ere long he was in constant
attendance at Mass, for in the presence of
the Blessed Sacrament, as he says: " A most
consoling feeling came over me." Just at
this juncture, he was engaged to give a
concert at Ems, but here, too, he managed
to be present at the Holy Sacrifice. Though
his friends remonstrated with him on this
account, he nevertheless persevered in his
good resolution.
On the 8th of August, God gave him a
special grace, which he relates as follows:
"I attended Mass as usual. The ceremonies
of the Holy Sacrifice have always attracted
my attention, but this morning I was carried
away in spirit by the prayers and the hymns,
and I felt the grace of God doing its work in
me. At the elevation of the Host, I was
filled with such compunction that my eyes
grew moist, and in hot streams the tears
coursed dowrn my cheeks. Oh, what a
moment! a moment never to be forgotten.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 189
| In the very depths of my heart I felt remorse
of conscience for my past sins and making
an open confession to God felt consoled in
the knowledge that He had pardoned me.
As I left the church at Ems I was conscious
| that I had already become a Christian. "
On his return to Paris, on the 6th of
. October, 1849, he received the habit of the
Carmelite Order, with the name of "Augus-
j tine of the Blessed Sacrament. " His special
! request was that his cell should be as near
as possible to the sacramental altar. All
his mother's entreaties that he should return
to Judaism, the faith of his father, were of
no avail. Ordained a priest, he was the
means of converting his sister, who, on
noticing him carrying the Blessed Sacrament
in procession one day, was so moved by his
piety and devotion that she resolved to
enter the Church which counted her good
brother as a member. His first sermon was
on frequent Communion, and it was generally
conceded that no one could preach better
than he on the subject that had taken such
possession of his soul.
"I have found the peace and joy of my
heart/' he wrote, "a peace that the world
cannot give or take away. With joy I kiss
190 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
the very walls of my cell that holds me so
close to You, my Jesus, in the Blessed
Sacrament. Here I am stripped of the load
and burden of earthly goods that have
constantly drawn me to earth. Like a
dove I can now rise closer to the sun of
justice and receive the warmth of His love.
How empty are the riches, how sad are the
pleasures, how humiliating the honors —
the honors that I have hitherto sought.
Now, since my eyes have seen, my hands
have touched, — how I pity you as you are
hunting after the pleasures that will not
satisfy your heart. Come to this heavenly
Banquet which has been prepared by the
Eternal Wisdom. Come closer to your
Lord. Cast aside those deceiving allure-
ments of the world and ask reconciliation of
Jesus that you may taste with a pure heart
the true fountain of Love."
" Believe me, that Jesus Who dwells in
the tabernacle in our churches is willing to
come down from His throne to give you
more abundant grace than He has given me.
Prostrate yourself before Him, give Him
your heart and He will bless you, and rest
assured that you will taste joys indescribable.
O Jesus, my love, how much I would like
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 191
to show them the bliss and happiness which
Thou hast given me and which I am enjoying
now, if faith did not teach me that the joys
of heaven are greater, I would almost say
that this joy of loving you in the Blessed
Sacrament is immeasurable. 0 what a sweet
peace! What heavenly bliss! What great
joy!"
The very cities of France and England
through which Herman Cohn had travelled
as an artist, and where he had entranced
his audiences by his piano recitals, now
witnessed him as a poor, barefooted Car-
melite monk, known by the name of " Father
Augustine, the preacher of the Blessed
Sacrament."
Later, Cardinal Wiseman invited him to
London to preach. Thus the Carmelite
Order was established in his diocese.1
The terrible persecutions in England during
the reign of Henry VIII, and his youngest
daughter, Queen Elizabeth, gave to the
Catholic Church martyrs of the Blessed
Sacrament.
A great number of brave confessors were
1 Maerkisches Kirchenblatt, 1866. Tabernakelwacht,
1903. Ott: Euch., page 672. The Catholic Encyclopedia,
Vol. I, page 153.
192 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
dragged to their martyrdom because they
assisted at the Sacrifice of the Mass in some
place of concealment, or because they gave
refuge in their homes to Catholic priests,
or because they preserved the sacred vessels
and vestments. Noteworthy, also, is the
reply that many of them made when ques-
tioned before the court of justice. Although
frequently persons of lowly birth and un-
educated, their words as recorded in the
archives testify to their constancy, their
faith and that understanding they had of
their religion, and in all this the women were
as brave as the men.
In the parish archives of York, the capital
of Northern England, it is recorded that
during the reign of Queen Elizabeth, Eliza-
beth Wilkinson, the wife of a miller, was
taken before the city council. When she
was asked why she refused to attend the
state church she replied fearlessly, " Because
there is no priest, no altar, no Blessed
Sacrament there." John West, a laborer,
being asked the same question gave this
beautiful answer: " Because the church of
the state is not the true church, and I don't
want to be damned." Isable Bowman, who
had to appear before the city council, gave
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 193
her reason for not visiting the church in
these words: " Because the Blessed Sacra-
ment is not there as it was formerly. " These
fearless replies brought many years of im-
prisonment and often a dreadful martyrdom.1
"Faith," says Venerable Pere Eymard,
"is a pure act of the mind disengaged from
the senses. Here the senses go for nothing,
they have no action. Faith alone must
act, for this is the kingdom of Faith. We
must believe even against the testimony of
the senses, against the very laws of nature,
against one's own experience. We must
believe on the simple word of Jesus Christ.
There is only one question to be asked:
6 Who is there? ? — '1/ answers Jesus
Christ. Let us fall down and adore. And
this faith pure and disengaged from the
senses, free in action, unites us simply to
the truth of Jesus Christ in the Most Blessed
Sacrament. The soul clears the barrier of
the senses and enters into the admirable
contemplation of the divine Presence of
God under the species, sufficiently veiled
for us to support His brilliancy, sufficiently
transparent for the eyes of faith. ... I
1 Kirchenlexicon, Kessel.
194 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
thank Thee, 0 divine Savior, for having
donned Thyself with a winding-sheet in the
Eucharist, thus to give my faith a spur and
encouragement. "
"Ah, let nobody/ ' exclaims St. Chrysos-
tom, "come here with heartlessness, with
lethargy, disinterestedness, or lukewarmness.
Come with a soul filled with a burning, an
insatiable desire. Come with more ardor
than the thirsty stag runs to the fountain;
come like one hungry to the table, like one
benumbed with the cold to the blazing fire,
like a child which throws itself on the bosom
of its mother. Say with David, 'My soul
languishes and is consumed. My heart
and my flesh burn with ardor for the living
God. 0 Lord, my King and my God, make
Thy altar my dwelling place.
"0 Lord Jesus," cries out St. Bonaven-
ture, "let my soul languish for Thee. Let
her hunger for Thee, bread of angels, food
of holy souls, living bread which we should
eat every day, and which contains all sweet-
ness, all delights. Let my heart ever long
for Thee, desirable bread, nourish it inces-
santly; fountain of life, let me thirst only
for Thee. Be Thou my hope, my riches,
my joy, my happiness, my salvation, my
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 195
refuge, my peace, my inheritance; and
may the eternal repose of my soul invariably
j be placed in Thee."
Reflection
The religion which Christ taught is divine,
| consequently it ought not to seem wonderful
to us that it should contain so many sublime
1 mysteries, entirely beyond our comprehen-
| sion. But our divine Lord has assimilated
heavenly treasures with temporal goods that
thus we may more easily understand celestial
truths. Understanding well how He could
elucidate the profoundest doctrines by the
simplest parables, our Lord demonstrated
His union with our souls by means of the par-
able of the vine and its branches. "I am the
vine," He says, "and you are the branches."
Everyone knows that if the branch is not
deeply engrafted in the vine, it cannot bring
forth good fruit,— therefore it is easily inferred
that the Christian can do nothing profitable
for eternal life unless united to his Savior.
At all times, then, let us praise and exalt
the Blessed Sacrament, the very center of
our existence.
{p»entg*tfr0t Eea&tna: anti Inflection
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE BLESSED
SACRAMENT
Legenda
ST. GREGORY THE GREAT, who lived
in the year 604, was penetrated with
devotion, reverence, and love for the Holy
Eucharist. His famous Missal, known as
the "Sacramentary/' gives ample proof of his
great love for the hidden Lord. In his ser-
mons he speaks also of the Holy Eucharist,
and illustrates, by quotations of wonderful
facts, the inestimable worth and the power
of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
In his thirty-fifth Homily he relates: Not
long ago it happened that a man was taken
prisoner and carried far away. Now after
he had been for a long time kept in prison
without his wife knowing anything about it,
she believed him to be dead, and caused
every week, on certain days, the Holy
! .
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 197
Sacrifice of the Mass to be offered for him.
After a long time had elapsed this man re-
turned home, and related to his astonished
wife that on certain days of the week he was
given more liberty than on others. In this
way at length he succeeded in making his
escape. Now when his wife inquired on
which day of the week this favor was granted,
she discovered that it was on those days
upon which the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
was offered for him.
In his dialogues, or conferences, upon the
miraculous lives of the saints in Italy he re-
lates in the fourth book the following occur-
rence: "Agatho, Bishop of Palermo, jour-
neyed from Sicily to Rome. Upon the way
he fell into the danger of being shipwrecked.
A frightful storm arose, which well-nigh
sank the vessel in which he took passage.
No hope remained but in the merciful pity
of Almighty God. Then all began to pray
and to offer up petitions to Him that their
lives might be spared. Whilst they were
thus praying a certain sailor was occupied in
steering a boat which was fastened to the
ship, but which, through the violence of the
storm, broke the fastenings and sank with
the unfortunate man beneath the waves,
198 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
and Bishop Agatho reckoned him as dead.
In the meantime the ship in which the
Bishop sailed arrived, after many dangers, at
the island of Ostika. Here the Bishop
offered the Sacrifice of the Mass for the un-
fortunate sailor and, as soon as the ship
was repaired, continued his voyage to Rome.
When he landed he found the sailor, whom
he believed to be dead, standing on the
shore. Full of joy, he inquired how he had
escaped the great dangers of so many days.
The sailor then related how his little boat
seemed continually on the point of capsizing,
but always rose unharmed again to the top
of the waves. "At length, suddenly/' he
narrated, "when I was quite prostrate and
as it were out of my mind, I pronounced a
short ejaculation to Jesus in the Blessed
Sacrament, when my strength returned to
me and soon after I was picked up by a ship
and brought hither. " When the Bishop
learned the day on which this event took
place he discovered that it was the same on
which he had offered Holy Mass for the un-
fortunate man on the island of Ostika.
In the twelfth chapter of the Acts of the
Apostles we read about St. Peter being cast
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 199
into prison, and bound with two chains; how
he was then delivered by an angel in answer
to the "prayers" of the faithful, who, we
know, "met daily from house to house" in
order to "break bread."
The Annals of the Indian Missions relate
this fact: "A pious Indian woman was pre-
paring her daughter for her First Communion.
When the happy day came, she dressed her
with the greatest care, and led her piously
to church. " After Holy Mass the happy
girl entering her home ran to her mother.
At the unexpected sight that met her
eyes, the child exclaimed: 'O my mother,
how beautiful you have made my little
room!'
"'Ah, my darling child/ to-day, this little
room must be your sanctuary, where you will
spend your time in recollection and in prayer."
Her mother then left her alone for some
time.
"After many hours of calm and peace the
mother sought her daughter in her room.
Quietly she approached the kneeling form; it
seemed to be motionless. She was quick to
catch the meaning; Jesus had taken His
little child to Heaven.
200 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
A young cleric once heard a missionary-
preach on the Real Presence and on the great
love of Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.
The preacher spoke with as lively a faith as
if he saw Jesus Christ with his own eyes,
and the young man, being struck at this,
said to himself: "0 my Lord, what shall
become of me? I too must one day preach
on Thy presence in the Holy Eucharist; but
how feeble will my words be in comparison
with the words of this pious priest." The
young man related this afterwards, adding
that from that time forward he had always
begged of Jesus Christ the gift of a lively
faith in the Real Presence, and that he had
done so frequently during Mass, particularly
at the time of the elevation. By this means
his faith became so strong that he afterwards
besought our Lord not to appear to him in
any sensible manner; and he could nowhere
find so much joy and contentment of heart
as in a church where the Blessed Sacrament
was preserved.1
St. Ephrem tells us, "When the eye of
faith shines like a light in the heart of a
1 " Pelican/' 1900.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 201
Christian, it beholds unveiled the Lamb of
God, who has immolated Himself for us and
given His holy and pure Body to be our
perpetual nourishment. He who is gifted
with the eye of faith perceives God with an
intuitive clearness, and eats the Sacred
Body and drinks the Blood of the Immaculate
Lamb with a well-assured faith without
prying into any curious scrutiny on this
holy and divine doctrine. Why try to
pierce the impenetrable? If you scrutinize
through curiosity, you no longer deserve the
name of believer, but rather that of curious.
Be thou innocent and faithful.
"As for me, brethren, not being able to
grasp by my understanding the sacrament
of Jesus Christ, I dare not go any farther,
nor endeavor to achieve the heights of these
sacred mysteries. Even if I wished to speak
rashly of them, I would not understand them
any better but would be like a mad man,
beating the air with my vain and fruitless
efforts; for the air escapes on all sides, from
its rarity and subtility, and so likewise are
these holy, these venerable, these tremendous
mysteries far above all the powers of my
genius."
202 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
Reflection
Centuries ago the Royal Psalmist incites
the Chosen People of the Old Law in glowing
terms to give the best part of every day to
God, and yet he knew nothing of the inesti-
mable blessings of Christianity. Had the
graces of the New Law been revealed to
him, how much more ardent a message
would he not have addressed to the people of
Israel. Had he known of the altar where
the Son of God is actually present under the
appearance of Bread, and could he have
told them that everyone, young and old,
rich and poor, had easy access to the throne
of God, how ardently would he not have
exclaimed: "Fall down and adore your
God. Praise and exalt him above all for-
ever."
Let us listen to the language which a
bishop puts into the mouth of our Savior:
" Heavenly spirits, tell ^he faithful soul that
day and night I wait for him to come to the
banquet which I have prepared for him.
Tell him that I am hidden under the accidents
of bread to nourish him and that I wish to
contract with him a new and close covenant
in his favor, that I may belong wholly to
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 203
him, and he wholly to Me. I have gone to
an infinite expense to prepare this banquet,
sparing nothing to give him proofs of my
affection. I, in fact, provided for him at
the Holy Table whatever is most delicious
on earth or in heaven, and as often as he
communicates I replenish him with my
graces, I transfer to him My merits, I enrich
him with My virtues.
"Tell him that if he does not eat of this
celestial bread, he will die of hunger, that
he will have no health, strength, consolation,
peace, nor life, that he will be strongly
tempted and will even yield to those tempta-
tions. Tell him, if he continues to excuse
himself and defers to eat at My table, he
will never eat of it, neither in this life nor
in heaven. Tell him that fear is good, but
that love is better, and that in keeping at
a distance from Me he despise Me; instead
of honoring Me, that he thereby afflicts and
offends Me."
Who can listen to that language- without
answering: "O Lord, who commandest me
to partake of Thy Holy Table, and who
threatenest Me with Thine anger if I do not
eat Thy flesh and drink Thy blood, I shall
regard Thy wish rather than my unworthi-
204 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
ness, and will approach Thee with confi-
dence since Thou invitest me with so much
goodness. "
During this Holy Hour let us cry out with
St. Augustine: " Bless the Lord, 0 my soul,
and with all thy powers bless His Holy
Name. Bless the Lord, 0 my soul, and
jealously guard the precious favors which
He has showered upon thee. Let all His
creatures bless the Lord; and do thou, 0
my soul, unite my voice with theirs in
chanting His praises. Let us praise God
whose glory the angels proclaim; whom
the Dominations adore, before whom the
Powers tremble, whom the Cherubim and
Seraphim honor, prostrate in His presence,
crying out with ceaseless voices, 'Holy,
Holy, Holy/ Joining our voices with theirs,
weak and feeble though they be, let us
sound the praises of Him who is our Savior
and the Savior of all."
" Sound, sound His praises higher still,
and come ye angels to our aid; "'Tis God,
'tis God, the very God whose power both
man and angels made. Sweet Sacrament,
we Thee adore, 0 make us love Thee more
and more."
f&toent^&econti Keating ana Kef lection
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Legenda
THE great St. John Chrysostom, patriarch
of Constantinople during the fifth cen-
tury, has ever been regarded as one of
the shining lights of the Church. Among
the many conversions which he effected, the
most remarkable was that of a heretic whom
he had succeeded in bringing back to the
true fold. The wife of the heretic, however,
still adhered to her unbelief, and, though
after much persuasion she seemed to sanction
her husband's way of thinking, her heart
nevertheless remained untrue. Finally she
was induced to accompany him to church
and even to seek forgiveness of God in the
Sacrament of Penance. The next morning
she received Holy Communion with apparent
devotion, but instead of swallowing the
206 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
Sacred Host she took it from her mouth
and placed it upon a piece of bread which
she had about her person. Scarcely, how-
ever, had she attempted to eat the bread
than it turned into a stone and almost
choked her. But God in addition to His
power is also merciful, and so He conferred
upon the erring woman the grace of a con-
trite heart and sincere compunction.
Full of fear at the miracle, she at once
sought the Bishop, confessed her crime, did
penance, and was thoroughly converted.
The miraculous stone bearing the imprint
of her teeth was placed in the depository of
the Cathedral Church of Constantinople.1
During the French Revolution a noble
lady was imprisoned in a gloomy dungeon
at Paris. Her little daughter, twelve years
old, remained under the care of a faithful
old servant. The child's father was absent
with the army of Conde. The little girl's
one thought was to get admission to her
mother's prison. At last she made the ac-
quaintance of the jailer's wife; and the
kind woman used to dress her in her own
1 His Life by Stephen. The Catholic Encyclopedia,
Vol. VII, page 492.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 207
child's clothes and send her to her mother's
cell on various errands. For three months
she used to visit her mother regularly,
though only for a short time.
The mother told the child one day to go to
a certain priest, and ask him to let her make
her first Communion. The little one went
to the priest, and he readily granted her
request — and bade her return the next
morning. When she went back on the
following morning, he had just offered the
Holy Sacrifice for her mother's intention,
and reserved two Hosts.
"My child," he said "I am going to trust
you with a sacred mission. I am going to let
you carry the Blessed Sacrament to your
good mother, in this hour of direst need;
and you shall make your First Communion
at the same time."
The child went in solemn joy to her
mother, bearing Christ the Consoler. The
jailer's wife left the two alone. They fell on
their knees and adored the Sacred Hosts.
The mother taking one of the Hosts in her
hand, she received It as Viaticum, and then
gave the child her First Communion.
The next day the little child went to the
prison to see her mother; but the jailer's wife
208 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
said that her mother was no longer there.
When advanced in years the girl used to
say: "It happened seventy years ago."1
There is kept on file in the archives of the
church at Riedenheim, Bavaria, a letter
written by the pastor recounting a miracle
which happened on July 8, 1896.
"I am relating a miracle of the Blessed
Sacrament which was witnessed by the
whole parish. On July 8, 1896, the feast
of St. Kilian, a patron of our diocese, a
terrible storm arose at about 5 p. m. : we all
thought our last hour had come. After the
storm had raged for some time, suddenly
two flashes of lightning, accompanied by
deafening crashes of thunder, struck into
barns that were filled with hay and grain,
and in a moment three barns were in full
blaze. A few minutes later several dwell-
ings and stables, in addition to several
smaller buildings, were burning. So rapidly
did the fire spread that most of the cattle
and nearly all the furniture fell a prey to it.
The houses and barns on the west and east
of the fire district had already been seized
by the raging element, and the fierce wind
from the northwest kept driving the flames
1 Ave Maria. Vol. V, '16.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 209
across the streets towards the buildings on
the opposite side. In a short time they too
would have fallen a prey to the consuming
element, and then the whole village would
inevitably have been lost. In this great
danger and distress I hastened to the church,
and, taking the monstrance with the Blessed
Sacrament, I went to the place of the fire
and gave Benediction. Everybody knelt
down and adored their God concealed under
the frail species of bread. All immediately
witnessed how the suffocating smoke and
flames suddenly changed their course, rolled
up against the strong northwest wind, and
gradually dispersed in fields and gardens.
"For hours the smoke and fire successfully
forced their way through the wind that was
blowing from the opposite direction. At the
same time the fire blazing on the neighboring
buildings was extinguished in an equally
miraculous manner, and confined itself to
its original starting place.
In this visible miracle of God's protection
I recognize a reward for the zeal with which
my parishioners adore the Blessed Sacra-
ment. On Sundays, from six o'clock in the
morning to# six in the evening, every hour,
five or six persons adore the Blessed Sacra-
210 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
ment, and in the afternoon often twenty to
thirty." 1
"Whilst catechising the people/' said the
saintly Cure d'Ars, "two Protestant minis-
ters came to me who did not believe in the
Real Presence of our Lord in the Blessed
Sacrament. I said to them: 'Do you think
a piece of bread could detach itself and of
its own accord place itself on the tongue of
a person wTho came near to receive it?'
They replied in the negative. 'Well, then/
said I, 'it is not bread.'" The holy priest
then related the following fact: "There
was a man who had doubts about the Real
Presence. He said, what do we know about
it since it is not certain what consecration
is, and what takes place at that time on the
altar? This man, however, wished to believe
and prayed to the Blessed Virgin to obtain
faith for him. Listen attentively to this.
I do not say that it happened somewhere,
but that it happened to myself. At the
moment that this man came up to receive
Holy Communion, the Sacred Host de-
tached itself from my fingers, whilst I was
yet some distance from the communion
1 Tabernacle and Purgatory, page 199, Vol. 9.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 211
rail, and placed itself on the tongue of the
man." 1
Our Lord has often indicated by mirac-
ulous signs the rewards meted out to the
worthy communicants: St. John of the Cross
during the celebration of the Mass was sur-
rounded by a mysterious light; the face of
St. Sylvanus, a pupil of St. Bernard, be-
came as the sun whenever he officiated at
the altar; St. Euthemius was surrounded by
a pillar of light during the celebration of the
Holy Sacrifice; the countenance of St. Ventu-
rine of Bergamo, while saying Mass, emitted
rays of supernatural splendor and his people
saw a burning torch in his mouth and his
eyes shining with the brilliancy of stars
whenever he read or sang the gospel; St.
Peter Tolasansus, at the time of the ele-
vation of both the Host and the chalice,
always saw Jesus as a beautiful child.2
Reflection
Mons. Lecourtier, in his " Explanation of
the Mass," says: "Come all and see the
LOtt: Euch., page 676. His Life pub. Cologne, 1865.
Andacht Z. HI. Eucharistie, Huguet.
2 Giovanne Maria della Croce by Weber, 1864, Re-
gensburg.
212 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
work of God. He has restored life to my
soul. I live now, but no, it is no longer I
who live, it is Christ who lives in me. My
darkness has been visited by His light, my
misery by His strength, my mortality by
His grace. Come, then, sinner, come and
taste of this admirable life; you will then
see, you will then feel, how consoling is this
transition from the state in which you are,
to the state in which Christ wishes to lead
you; you will understand that man is dead
if he enjoys only the material life which he
shares with the brute, and that he really
lives only when his soul, united to God, lifts
itself up to its first beginning and its last
end. In a word, man lives only in the soul;
if the senses predominate, he is placed on
the level with the beast. The soul, in its
turn, lives but in God; beyond that, it finds
nothing in reason, in science, in worldly
affection but a most insufficient food. Now,
it is particularly in the Holy Eucharist that
this life of God is imparted to our soul. It
is there that God becomes the soul of our
soul, the heart of our heart. It is there
that, living in His spirit, we draw from
the divine spirit peace, joy and eternal
life."
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 213
"The Sacrament of the altar/' says St.
Thomas Aquinas, "is the expression of the
greatest love God could give us. Every-
thing, in fact, speaks to us therein of the
immense love of Jesus Christ towards men,
the circumstances in which He instituted
it, the sentiments which animated His di-
vine heart, the excellence of the gift He has
bestowed on us, His designs in instituting it,
the state to which He is reduced. Every-
thing therein reminds us of these words
of St. John: 1 Jesus . . . having loved His
own who were in the world, He loved
them to the end.' He loved men with a
constant, generous love which nothing could
weaken, with a love which showed itself
greatest at the very moment when He
encountered the most hatred and ingratitude.
"How great then is this love for us? Why
is it not given to us to understand the sen-
timents of affection and tenderness that
pierced His heart at the moment when He
bequeathed to us the treasure of the Holy
Eucharist, which is the testament of the
new covenant? "
During this Holy Hour, therefore, let us
thank Jesus for His infinite love for us:
O Jesus, how great is Thy affection for us.
214 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
Thou sayest, I am dying of the desire to
communicate myself to your soul and you
soon add, while presenting to us the con-
secrated bread and wine: "Take . . .
this is My Body. Drink . . . this is My
Blood." 0 immense, incomprehensible, in-
finite love. A God gives Himself entirely
to us. A God annihilates Himself through
love of His miserable creatures. 0 Jesus,
be my only love . . . No, I no longer belong
to myself; I am Thine, wholly Thine.
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Legenda
A FRENCH publication of 1866, styled
"The Annals of the Blessed Sacra-
ment/' gives the following account under
the heading of "The Consecrated Hosts
and the Golden Ciborium of Bezilla de la
Riviere. "
During the French Revolution, all the
churches of France were pillaged and de-
stroyed, but for some reason the church of
Bezilla escaped molestation up to the fif-
teenth of September, 1793. The good people
of the parish celebrated the octave of the
Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary with
their regular monthly procession and two
days later the Holy Sacrifice was celebrated,
for that was to be the last time. The ad-
herents of the Revolution, forcing their
216 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
way into the little town on that day, com-
pelled the priest, Father Berone, to flee for
his life. Taking refuge in St. Julien on the
river Jet, he had expressed the wish of
returning to his parish for a short time that
he might adjust matters about the church,
but as the revolutionists were steadily gain-
ing ground, he had surrendered his desires
and fled to Spain for safety. Only after a
seven years' exile was it possible for him to
return to his own country.
A young girl from the town of Bezilla,
Rose Florence by name, overhearing the
remarks of the pastor, wondered much what
was the cause of his anxiety. Then it
suddenly dawned upon her that probably
the good priest feared that a sacrilege
might be committed with the Blessed Sac-
rament which he had been unable to remove
before leaving. Immediately she began to
plan how she might secure the Sacred Species
to protect it from the insults of the mob.
The undertaking was hazardous, for capital
punishment was meted out to any one found
entering a church that had been closed by
the revolutionary tribunal. However, the
eagerly sought opportunity at last came.
Jean Bonof, one of Rose's friends, had just
FOR THE HOLY HOUR
been elected mayor and she had no mis-
givings in confiding to him her secret. The
good man entered heart and soul into the
work, and, on February 7th, regardless of
his own peril, he sought the church with the
girl and some other witnesses. Going to
the tabernacle, he found a large Host in the
monstrance and four Hosts in the ciborium,
one of which was broken in two. Placing
the small ones in an ablution cup and giving
them to the girl for safe keeping, he took
the monstrance to his own home.
From 1794 to 1800, Mayor Bonof kept
this same monstrance locked in his cedar-
trunk, before which his family would often
kneel and pray. The small Hosts were
placed by Rose's mother in a crystal re-
ceptacle and kept in a small cupboard, the
door of which was opened only for daily
prayers. During the six years the reposi-
tory had been moved twice and then only
when the revolutionists were inspecting the
house.
After peace had been restored and the
old pastor had returned to his parish, the
Hosts were again removed to the church
and placed in the tabernacle. An episcopal
and civil investigation was forthwith made
218 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
to determine about the rescue and preser-
vation of the Hosts, whereupon the follow-
ing statement was drawn up: (1) That the
consecrated Hosts were the identical ones
that had been taken from the tabernacle
in 1793; (2) that the investigation held on
the third of May, 1801, showed that no
change was found in the consecrated parti-
cles, and that they had remained intact
during all these years.
Another fact, no less miraculous than the
preservation of the Blessed Sacrament, was
the change that took place in the crystal
receptacle containing the four small Hosts.
The little vessel, plain and without ornamen-
tation, was found to be encircled with gold,
when it again came into the hands of the
priest on the fifth of December, 1800. After
the Hosts had been removed however, only
certain parts retained their original bril-
liancy. Several tests were made on the
gold that remained, but not even the best
jeweler could explain, either by scratching,
or rubbing, or applying chemicals, why it
would not be removed. It seemed to be
imbedded in the very crystal itself. Since
that time thousands upon thousands of pil-
grims have examined this curious little
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 219
vessel. From the year 1848, the Sacred
Hosts have been carried in solemn proces-
sion throughout the city on a particular
feast, on which occasion the faithful visit
the holy spot.
One day, whilst St. John Chrysostom was
celebrating the holy Mysteries, soldiers were
sent by the Empress Eudoxia to take him
prisoner. Now, when they came to the
church, they saw an angel standing at the
entrance brandishing his sword to prevent
the soldiers from entering, so that they were
obliged to go home without having ac-
complished anything. Something similar is
related by Ado, where he tells us that when
the Saxons were about to enter sacrilegiously
into a church which had been consecrated by
St. Boniface, they found two young men of
exquisite beauty and heavenly brightness
standing at the entrance. They were angels
of the Lord, who prevented them from en-
tering the church, and put them to a shame-
ful flight. Now this angel may be either the
guardian angel of the priest, of the altar, or
of the church, who assists the priest at the
altar, in order that he may be enabled to
celebrate the sacred Mysteries with greater
220 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
devotion and reverence. It is for this reason
that the priest, after consecration, prays in
every Mass in a posture of profound humility:
"We humbly beseech Thee, Almighty God,
that Thou wouldst command these to be
carried by the hands of Thy Holy Angel to
Thy sublime altar before the sight of Thy
divine Majesty." Besides this guardian
angel of the altar, of the church, there are
also many other angels present at the Holy
Sacrifice of the Mass. St. Euthemias, when
saying Mass, used to see many angels assist-
ing at the Sacred Mysteries in reverential
awe. St. Guduvalus, Archbishop, often saw
how# the angels descended from heaven dur-
ing Mass, chanting hymns of praise with
unspeakably great reverence; but he himself
would be standing at the altar like a ma-
jestic column of fiery flame whilst he was
celebrating the Holy Sacrifice. St. Basil
and St. Chrysostom testify to having seen
at the time of the Mass many hosts of the
angels in human form, clothed with white
garments, and standing round the altar as
soldiers stand before the king. But what
was their attitude and deportment? Their
heads were bowed, their faces covered, their
hands crossed, and the whole body so pro-
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 221
foundly inclined as to express the deepest
sense of their own unworthiness to appear
before the divine Majesty.
O fathomless depths of the riches of God's
graces, that are made manifest to us in the
Most Blessed Sacrament!
Reflection
The saints were the apostles of devotion
to the Holy Eucharist. And with what
fervor did they not endeavor to propagate
and revive it! With what love did they
not proclaim its dignity and efficacy! With
what zeal did they not invite people to sit
down at the divine Banquet, saying to them,
as did St. John Chrysostom: " Approach
the Holy Table and your hunger and thirst
will be appeased, your minds will be en-
lightened, and the wounds of your souls
healed, for there is the heavenly food, the
divine fountain, the true light. "
Nothing so filled them with joy as to see
the faithful crowd to the Holy Table, while
nothing caused them more pain than the
sight of the indifference or contempt of
men in reference to the Bread of Heaven.
Their souls were torn with grief, like the
Blessed Margaret Mary's, at the thought
222 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
that Jesus is so little loved in His Holy
Sacrament.
Whence comes the superhuman courage of
the martyrs but from the supernatural Bread
on which they feed.
"See," says St. Augustine, "the beloved
disciple who enters into the boiling oil.
Whence comes his strength? From the cup
from which he had drunk at the last supper.
See St. Andrew who embraces his cross,
whence cometh that joy? From the Blood
of the Lamb wliich he offered up every day.
See that victorious troop of the saints who
tire the cruelties of the executioners by the
firmness of their courage. What is it that
infuses into all of them this invincible gen-
erosity, but the mysterious wine that makes
martyrs, as well as virgins, become spouses
of Jesus?"
The saints felt that Jesus was present
everywhere, righting everything, vivifying
everything, living through their hearts,
speaking through their tongues, hearing
through their ears, animating everything
with His heavenly Life.
"O Bread of life, sweet Food," cries out
St. Lawrence Justinian, "delicious repast,
of which the immaculate lamb and the
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 223
manna were but imperfect figures, who could
receive you, who would praise you worthily,
who could comprehend you perfectly, and
form desires which could equal all that you
contain? I almost swoon away when I
think of you. Ah, where is the heart that
would not melt into sweetest devotion when
it feels its God united corporally to it, and
it, in turn, to its God? The heart is not
capable of conceiving the secret of so great
a mystery, the tongue cannot express it,
the human mind cannot enter into it."
With regard to the reception of the Holy
Eucharist, our Lord places no restrictions
regarding persons. Worthy and unworthy,
if they present themselves at His holy altar,
are alike the recipients of this divine Sacra-
ment. St. Thomas asserts that He permits
Himself to be handled by the hands of the
wretches, and to be lacerated by the teeth
of the unclean. It would have been great
goodness on the part of our Lord if He had
allowed only men of exceeding holiness to
approach Him, but far more infinite is His
condescension when He gives Himself even
to the unworthy. How inexpressible is
Christ's love for mankind!
In his wonderment the Royal Prophet
224 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
exclaimed: "0 how good is the God of
Israel! " Let us, overwhelmed with the
excess of Jesus ' goodness, cry out with
still more ardor: "How good is Christ
reposing in our tabernacle !"
UtotntMowtfy l&eatuno; ana Inflection
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Legenda
ST. LEONARD of Port Maurice, who on
account of his innumerable missions has
received the title of the Apostle of Rome
and of Italy may most justly be called the
Apostle of the Most Holy Sacrament and
of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. At the age of
twenty-one he entered the Franciscan Order,
already far advanced in virtue and knowledge.
Being ordained priest he fell ill, and could
find no means of recovery. At this juncture
he turned to the Blessed Mother of God, and
with most fervent prayer he promised her
to devote his life entirely to missionary
work if she would obtain of her Son for him
the gift of restored health. His prayer was
granted. In a short time after he became
so strong and healthy that he was able to
undertake any work, however difficult.
226 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
For forty years he traveled through all
villages, cities, islands, even the entire king-
dom of Italy. He passed through the
roughest country amidst snow and rain, and
even to the latest years of his life, with
naked feet. Innumerable were the conver-
sions which, by the grace of God, he effected.
He used to say, "My only deadly foe is
mortal sin." It was as a special means of
resisting and overcoming this great enemy
of man's salvation that he regarded the
devotion to the Blessed Sacrament of the
Altar. This devotion he had practiced from
his tenderest years.
When he commenced his missionary career
he made this Sacred Mystery to be the aim
and center of all his endeavors, and strove
to* honor it on every occasion by inward and
outward acts of faith and love, and to further
this devotion by every means in his power
in the hearts of others. His first visit when
he arrived at any place was to the Blessed
Sacrament. Daily he offered Holy Mass
with such devotion that all present who
assisted thereat were edified. In order to
prepare himself most worthily for this func-
tion he confessed every day. Every morning
he heard as many Masses as his work per-
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 227
mitted, and at the elevation it was his custom
to make an intention of being present at all
the Masses offered that day throughout the
world, in order to present them to the Divine
Majesty.
Holy Mass he called the sun of Christen-
dom, the soul of the faith, the central point
of the Catholic religion, towards which all
the customs, ceremonies, and the other Holy
Sacraments tend. He never approached the
altar without offering to the Eternal Father
three and thirty times the Precious Blood of
Jesus, in honor of the three and thirty years
of his life, in order to gain the grace of purity
of heart which should never be stained by
the smallest spot. In all his missions he im-
pressed with fiery word of zeal upon his
hearers the duty of attending the Blessed
Sacrament with the greatest possible solem-
nity when being carried to the sick. At
Ancona his exhortations had such effect that
from that time the burgesses hurried in
couples to follow the procession whenever the
All-Holy was being carried to the sick. On
some occasions five hundred wax lights might
be counted in these processions. Also at
Minerbio, in the Province of Ferrara, the
whole people turned out of doors, carrying
228 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
wax lights, in order to accompany the Blessed
Sacrament to a poor person whose hut lay ten
minutes walk from the church. In the same
way he carried his point at Ochiobello in
Ferrara, where he induced bishops and other
persons of rank to accompany the Blessed
Sacrament.
Nearest to his heart was the devotion of
the Perpetual Adoration, which was al-
ready founded in Rome, and in other places
besides. Before his death he had the satis-
faction of seeing Perpetual Adoration intro-
duced in one hundred and thirty parishes.
In short, from his earliest childhood until his
dying day our saint was full of unbounded
love for Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament.1
In the days of St. Philip Neri there lived
at Naples, in the Congregation of the Im-
maculate Conception, a nun of extraordinary
piety, named Ursula Benincasa. This sister
had a very great devotion to the Blessed
Sacrament. When she received It her heart
was so dilated that its palpitations could be
distinctly perceived by the movement of her
dress. It was the Blessed Sacrament that
gave her strength to support with invincible
patience extreme bodily sufferings. When
1 Leben d. sel. Leonhard. Heithausen und Gehlen.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR
229
in great pain it frequently sufficed for its
alleviation that the priest , who had just
celebrated Holy Mass, should lay his hands
on her head by way of blessing; and al-
though her stomach would refuse all food,
yet she was never known to be unable to
receive the Bread of Heaven.
The Holy Father, Pope Gregory XIII, be-
ing anxious to ascertain the reality of her
piety, desired St. Philip to put it to a test.
He therefore forbade her to receive Holy
Communion. Ursula obeyed and for
months contented herself with Spiritual
Communion. Her desire for Holy Com-
munion became so intense that she fainted
from exhaustion and the doctor announced
that she could not live. One of the sisters
suggested that she be allowed to receive
Holy Communion as a means of recovery.
No sooner did the priest appear with the
Blessed Sacrament than she again breathed,
her strength returned, and after receiving
the Bread of Life she entirely recovered.
For the saints the Blessed Sacrament was
heaven on earth. Therefore Blessed Cres-
centia of Kaufbeuren often said: "Two
230 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
things constitute my heaven here on earth,
the will of God and the Blessed Sacrament."
Venerable Maria of Escobar, on one oc-
casion when receiving Holy Communion,
saw the heavens open and countless angels
looking down upon her, marvelling at God's
goodness towards man. To St. Gertrude
our Lord said: "If a person free from mortal
sin receives Me, I incline towards him in so
gracious a manner, that all in heaven, on
earth, and under the earth receive the in-
estimable benefit of my grace.' ' Our Savior
revealed to St. Mechtildis that if man were
capable of realizing the benefit he might
draw from Holy Communion, he would die
of joy. The Blessed Cure d'Ars was in-
debted to the Holy Eucharist for all his
virtues, his inspirations, his power and his
gifts. He said: "One Holy Communion
suffices to detach the soul from this earth
and inflame it with the love of God. He
relates the following incident: "Not long ago
a nobleman received Holy Communion here.
What was the result? He possessed a for-
tune of 300,000 francs and of this he gave
100,000 to the poor, 100,000 for the building
of a new church, and the remainder he left
to his relatives. He then became a Trap-
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 231
pist. A very learned lawyer followed his
example and after a worthy Holy Com-
munion renounced all earthly possessions
and entered the Dominican Order. "
Reflection
Our dear Lord has given us His precious
Body to be our food, yet that body never
diminishes nor is it consumed, it remains
always whole and entire. St. Thomas, com-
menting on the wonderful miracle of the
multiplication of the loaves, says: "Why
cannot God preserve His Body so that when
eaten it is not diminished or consumed?"
We fail to appreciate the wisdom of God
and His benefits, as we do not take time to
reflect what He has accomplished for us,
and what He is continually doing before our
eyes. Solomon, the great king of old, cried
out: "Is it then to be thought that God
should dwell upon earth?" In like manner
let the consideration of these truths find
fruit in our hearts: Is it then to be thought
that Christ, although He is in heaven, still
remains with us here upon earth in the
Blessed Eucharist? Is it then to be thought
that Christ has humbled Himself to such an
extent as to place His immensity within the
232 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
limits of a small Host? Is it to be thought
that Christ desires to give us always His
Body to eat, and still preserves it entire?
Aye, not only to be thought but actually
known to be the case.
This is what the Church teaches us in the
hymn of the Blessed Sacrament, "He who
receives the Body of Christ does not bruise
it, does not break it, does not divide it,
receives it whole and entire, and does not
divide but makes only a separation of the
signs and accidents. " "O illusion of the
senses/' exclaims St. Jerome, "the accidents
with which Thou appearest to our senses to
be clothed, are broken, but Thou, 0 Lord,
remainest whole and entire. It seems to
our senses that we chew Thee between our
teeth, but we never do so to Thee. Thou
remainest always whole and entire, without
any division, without any corruption, in even
the least particle. Who can conceive the
power manifested in the august Sacrament
in such a variety of ways. Thousands of
places holding the Sacred Body at the same
time, God in one Host the same as in a
million, God in a million of hearts each
moment, and two millions, and ten, and a
hundred.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 233
We may exclaim here with the Psalmist:
"Who shall declare the power of the Lord?
Who shall set forth all the wonders of His
works?" The Blessed Eucharist is truly a
memorial of His wonderful works.
How much, then, should we not admire
the wonderful inventions of Christ's wisdom
in the Holy Eucharist, and His bounteous
liberality in becoming the food of our souls.
With hearts filled with gratitude, therefore,
let us never weary of repeating:
" Down in adoration falling, lo, the Sacred Host we hail.
Lo, o'er ancient forms departing newer rites of grace
prevail;
Faith for all defects supplying, where the feebler senses
fail."
Wnmtg^ttttl l&eatiinff and Inflection
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Legenda
A PIOUS Jesuit missionary was traveling
the wildest regions of North America to
win souls for Christ; he stopped at the prin-
cipal villages, and often found there savages
whom grace brought to him from a consider-
able distance. He instructed and baptized
those whom he thought well disposed, and
then went on his way to other places. A
savage one day presented himself to him,
whose fervor appeared to be something ex-
traordinary; as soon as he was well in-
structed in the mysteries of our holy religion,
the missionary administered baptism to him,
and also gave him Holy Communion, which
this good Indian received with the most
lively transports of love and gratitude.
The missionary then went on other apos-
tolic excursions. A year after he returned to
FOR THE HOLY HOUR
235
the place where dwelt this Indian convert.
As soon as the latter was aware of the mis-
sionary's arrival, he ran to throw himself at
his feet and bathed them with tears; he
knew not how to express the joy he felt in
seeing again him who had begotten him to
Jesus Christ. He soon entreated the Father
to grant him once more the happiness he had
made him enjoy the year before. "Of what
happiness do you speak?" asked the mis-
sionary. "Ah! my Father do you not
know? — the happiness of receiving within
me the Body of my God!" "Willingly, my
child, but first you must go to confession.
Have you examined your conscience well?"
"Father, I examined it every day, as you
charged me to do last year." "In that case,
kneel down and declare me the faults you
may have fallen into since your baptism?"
"What faults, Father?" "Why, the grievous
faults you feel you have wilfully committed
against the commandments of God and the
Church." "Grievous faults," answered the
savage, all amazed; "can anyone offend God
after they are baptized, and especially after
they have received Communion? Are there
anywhere Christians capable of such in-
gratitude?" Saying these words, he burst
236 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
into tears, and the missionary, on his side,
wept too, blessing God for having prepared
for Himself even in the forests of America
such worshipers, who may, indeed, be called
worshipers in spirit and in truth.1
The yearning for solitude, and to break
away from a world sunk in idolatry and
wickedness, was felt and carried out, first
in the deserts of Egypt, whence it spread into
Arabia and Syria; and those vast expanses
of silence and solitude became peopled with
thousands of pious souls, who had abandoned
everything in order to be alone with God.
A great number dwelt in caves in the sur-
rounding mountains, and these were wont
to come daily to the churches, in order to
receive Holy Communion, and to rest con-
tent, satisfied with this heavenly Food, until
the following day.
The Holy Eucharist was the life-giving
Food of all those holy solitaries; they could
not have lived as they did without it. We
read of the saintly Abbot, Paphnutius, that
at ninety years of age he took a journey of
three leagues every Saturday and Sunday
to the nearest church. St. Arsenius dwelt
1 Dubussi, Nouv. Mois de Marie, 135.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 237
thirteen leagues from any church, yet he
visited in order to communicate.
Theodoret, Bishop of Cyrus, the cele-
brated Church historian, who has recorded
many beautiful examples from the lives of
holy solitaries and monks of the desert,
related of Maris, the holy solitary who had
dwelt thirty years in a dilapidated little hut
(at a place called Netis) not far from Cyrus,
and was then ninety-nine years of age, that,
being on one occasion allowed to visit him
in his cell, he was entreated by the old man
to permit him once more to assist at the
celebration of the Divine Mysteries. The-
odoret complied. The sacred vessels being
brought, as there was no table in the poor
little hut, he offered the Most Holy Sacrifice
on the hands of his deacons, in order to satisfy
the pious longings of the venerable old man.
St. Basil relates that where the distance
was too great for such constant visits to the
church, they were permitted occasionally
to take the Holy Eucharist back with them
to their cells. It is said of St. Simon the
elder, an anchorite, that having carried out
a resolution of eating nothing during the
long fast, he was found by the Priest, Bassus,
lying on the ground apparently without life.
238 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
Bassus moistened his lips with a sponge, and
placed the Blessed Sacrament in his mouth.
Quickened by the heavenly Food, he arose
from his death-like swoon, and thenceforth
received Holy Communion, daily. When,
later on, he ascended the pillar upon which
he spent the remainder of his life in prayer,
Bishop Domnus used to ascend a ladder
to communicate him. Another anchorite,
Simon the younger, who also for many years
lived on a pillar, and received the Holy
Eucharist miraculously, was ordained and
said Holy Mass upon the pillar.
St. Onophrius lived in the very depths of
the desert for seventy years, receiving the
Holy Eucharist every Sunday at the hands of
an angel. Thus do the pious dwellers in the
desert, in those earliest days of the history of
the Church, bear witness that the Holy Eucha-
rist is the life-giving Food of soul and body,
and a Sacrifice for the salvation of the world.
Alphonsus Rodriguez, an author of spir-
itual treatises, relates in one of his books
the story of a certain gentleman living in a
German province who, after having lost the
greater part of his fortune, was tempted to
commit suicide. He was advised by a pious
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 239
clergyman to confide his troubles to our good
Lord, and to make the promise to hear Mass
daily that he might thus rid himself of his
temptation. A priest was therefore en-
gaged by the man to say Mass in his pri-
vate chapel. It happened one day that the
chaplain went to a neighboring town. The
man who had engaged the chaplain, fearing
that he might lose Mass, hurried after the
priest. Meeting a peasant on the way, he
was told that the Holy Sacrifice was already
over. On hearing this he gave way to tears,
saying in his despondency: "Alas, this may
be the last day of my life." The peasant,
being told the cause of his discomfiture,
answered: "Do not be troubled; I will give
you all the graces I received by attending
Mass this morning if you will give me your
cloak." The man went on his way rejoicing.
Nevertheless he sought the church and there
made urgent supplication to God. As the
gentleman returned from church he found
the peasant suspended from a tree, dead.
• •
"Ah, where are we?" exclaims St. John
Chrysostom: "heaven has nothing, ab-
solutely nothing more than earth; the
earth has become a new heaven. It is
indeed the same infinite God, the same
240 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
all-powerful Creator of worlds, the same
loving Redeemer, who only desires to be
Emmanuel, or God with us, but a hidden
God only, a God humbled through love, a
lamb full of divine meekness, a victim of
propitiation for our sins."
Reflection
The first birth of Christ in the stable of
Bethlehem was truly wonderful, since the
Son of God took upon Himself the form of
a servant and became like unto us all save
sin. Yet his second birth in the Blessed
Sacrament is not the less wonderful, that
birth by which He becomes present to us in
the form of bread. And the greatest aspect
of the marvel is that this is accomplished
by the word of mortal man, a priest. God
does not speak the word, nor do His angels.
A poor creature like ourselves utters but a
short sentence and the greatest miracle of
nature and grace takes place, in which the
substance of bread and wine is changed
entirely at the sacred time of consecration,
— changed into the Body and Blood of
Christ.
By the word of God the heavens were
created and the earth called into existence;
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 241
the word of the same God also uttered by
the lips of a frail human being, the Blessed
Sacrament of the altar becomes what it is.
0 marvelous, thrice marvelous word of God!
Hail, sacred tabernacles, to which Thou, O
Lord, dost descend at the voice of a mortal!
Hail, mysterious altar, where faith comes to
receive its immortal food! Oh, I love Thy
temple, it is an island of peace in the ocean
of the world, a beacon of immortality. Thou
art near to hear us. Is there a tongue equal
to the ecstasy of the heart? Whatever my
lips may articulate, this blood which circu-
lates, this bosom which breathes in Thee,
this heart which beats and expands, these
bathed tears, this silence, — all pray in me.
So swell the waves as the rising of the king
of day, so revolve the stars, mute with rev-
erence and love, and Thou comprehendest
their silent hymn. Ah, Lord, in like manner
comprehend me; hear what I pronounce not
for silence in the highest voice of a heart
that is overpowered with Thy glory.
During this Holy Hour let us publicly
confess with St. Augustine: "Yes, my Lord,
1 solemnly acknowledge that I do not under-
stand how Thou canst be so completely
enshrouded, Thou splendor of divine maj-
242 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
esty. But I do know that Thou canst do
greater things than I can understand. And
I believe that Thou hast done this: I be-
lieve in Thy love for me, a sinner worthy of
punishment. Thou goest so far as to for-
get Thyself and to work this great miracle
in order to be with us.
" Therefore, at all times let us praise and
bless Thee, sweet Jesus in the Blessed Sac-
rament. May all the angels and saints
unite with us in praising Thee. May the
whole court of heaven aid us, increasing the
fervor of our prayer as we cry out:
" O Godhead hid, devoutly I adore Thee,
Who truly art within the form before me;
To Thee my heart I bow with bended knee,
As failing quite in contemplating Thee."
^totntg*0fxt& Keatung; and Eeflecttan
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Legenda
IN the life of St. Ludwina, who was sick
for thirty-eight years uninterruptedly,
we read that, in the beginning of her sick-
ness, she shrunk from suffering. By a par-
ticular disposition of God, John Por went to
see her, and perceiving that she was not
quite resigned to the will of God, he ex-
horted her to meditate frequently on the
sufferings of Jesus Christ, that by the re-
membrance of His Passion she might gain
courage to suffer more willingly. She prom-
ised to do so, and fulfilled her promise, but
she could not find any relief for her soul.
Every meditation was disgusting and un-
pleasant, and she began again to break out
into her usual complaints. After a while
her director turned to her and asked her how
she had succeeded in meditating upon our
244 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
Lord's Passion, and what profit she had de-
rived from it. " 0 my Father, ' ' she answered,
"your counsel was very good indeed, but the
greatness of my suffering does not allow me
to find any consolation in meditating on my
Savior's sorrows. He exhorted her for some
time to continue this exercise, no matter
how insipid soever it might be to her; but
perceiving at last that she drew no fruit
from it, his zeal suggested another means.
He gave her Holy Communion, and after-
wards whispered in her ear: "Till now I
have exhorted you to the continual remem-
brance of Christ's sufferings as a remedy for
your pains, but now let Jesus Christ Him-
self exhort you." Behold! no sooner had
she swallowed the Sacred Host than she felt
such a great love for Jesus, and such an
ardent desire to become like unto Him in
His sufferings, that she broke out into sobs
and sighs, and for two weeks was hardly able
to stop her tears. From that moment the
pains and sufferings of her Savior remained
so deeply impressed upon her mind that she
thought of them all the time, and thus was
enabled patiently to suffer for Him who, for
the love of her, had endured so many and so
great pains and torments. Comforted by
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 245
the example of Jesus Christ, she not only-
praised God and gave thanks to Him for
all her sufferings, but even vehemently de-
sired to suffer still more; nay, by meditating
on the Passion of Jesus Christ, she was so
much inflamed with love that she used to
say, "It was not she who suffered, but her
Lord Jesus Christ who suffered in her."1
The venerable Ida of Louvain from her
tenderest years gave herself entirely to the
love of Jesus. As she grew older, and never
sought or desired aught but Jesus, that
heavenly Bridegroom gave her such a pleni-
tude of His Presence, that her happiness
resembled that of the most chosen of His
saints. She became so united with Him in
daily communion that she lived altogether
a supernatural life. The very dumb animals
obeyed her. She assisted with the deepest
recollection at the Holy Mysteries; and so
ardent was her desire that her beloved Lord
should receive the adoration of His creatures,
that, seeing her prayers and invitations were
disregarded by others, she used to call the
little birds to follow her, and in their stead
adore the Lord in the Holy Sacrifice of the
1 Surius: Vita St. Ludwinae, I. c. 14.
246 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
Mass. And, lo! the doves and the pigeons
followed her into church, where they would
remain standing round her until the conclu-
sion of the Sacred Mysteries, after which
they all returned whence they came.1
One Christmas night, according to a pious
legend, Walthin, the holy Abbot of Melrose, in
Scotland, was offering up the Holy Sacrifice
of the Mass with great piety and devotion.
When he had pronounced the sacred words
of consecration he saw in his hands a little
Boy more beautiful than anyone he had
ever seen. The Child was immaculately
white; and with His little hands He was
fondly caressing him.
Walthin' s heart was filled with heavenly
rapture as his eyes were fixed on those of
Jesus. Yielding to the desire that came into
his mind, he reverently kissed the Sacred
Host, while the tears of joy that fell from
his eyes flowed down his cheeks.2
In the writings of St. Thomas of Villanova
we find the confession of a young Israelite
convert. The saint, believing that this ex-
traordinary fact would give additional glory
1 Ott: Euch., page 233; Heiligen Lexicon, iii. Band.
2 Les Veilles des adorateurs du S. S.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 247
to our divine Lord in the Blessed Sacrament,
published the circumstance after the death
of his friend, who had communicated it to
him. The young man when in danger of
death related the following incident to the
saint: *y
"My Father, you are the father, the
consoler, and the guide of my soul; I have
requested you to pay me this visit in order
to disclose to you in return a great secret
that I have not told anyone. One day I
was walking with a young Jew of my own
age, while going to attend to some business
for my father in a specific locality. On our
way we discussed the Messiah, whom in
our vague conception as Israelites we were
still expecting, and as we talked we experi-
enced an ardent desire to see Him, saying
from our heart: 'Ah, how fortunate we
should be if He would come in our time,
that we might behold Him with our own
eyes.' And as we continued our conver-
sation on this subject our desires became
more and more inflamed, and we noticed,
it being already night, a light in the sky so
brilliant that it seemed to us the heavens
must be opened. Recollecting that my
father had once told me that sometimes the
248 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
sky opened and that on such occasions we
could ask God some favor with the hope of
obtaining it, we fell on our knees with all
possible devotion, asking the Lord to mani-
fest the Messias in our day and to permit
to us to see Him whom we so earnestly
expected.
" Whilst pouring out our hearts in fervent
prayer in the sight of the brilliant light
upon which our eyes remained fixed, we saw
suddenly quite near us a sparkling chalice
with a Host above it, of the shape that
Catholic priests use at Mass. It is needless
to say that this vision alarmed us exceed-
ingly. Soon we overcame our fear, how-
ever, for an interior light penetrated our
soul, opened the eyes of the mind, and
banished from it all obscurity. We now
felt convinced that the glorious Messiah
whom we so ardently desired was surely in
the Host, that no other was to be expected,
and that the Christian religion was the only
true religion. We returned thanks to God
for having cured our blindness in so mirac-
ulous a manner. After my return home I
availed myself of the first opportunity to
become a Christian and to receive Baptism.
Ever since I have faithfully observed, as
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 249
you know, Father, the laws of God and
His Church."1
St. Nicephorus of Constantinople tells
us: "Our tabernacle is holier than the Holy
of Holies, yea, than the ark itself, for it con-
tains the most sacred and life-giving flesh of
our Savior." And St. Peter Alcantara con-
tinues: "The Spouse wished to leave to
His beloved a companion, that she might
not be lonely during His long absence. He
therefore left her Himself in the Holy Sac-
rament, as the best companion for her."
"Here in the Holy Sacrament," says
Lallemant, "he abides day and night as a
living victim before the eyes of His Father,
appeasing His anger and satisfying His
justice, communicating the life of grace and
the seed of the life of glory to those who
approach Him worthily."
Reflection
Jesus holds inclosed in the Most Holy
Sacrament all the infinite treasures of grace,
because He is the Author of all grace, and
these treasures He shares with us in all their
fullness. After Baptism and Penance, the
1 Tabernacle and Purgatory.
250 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
Holy Eucharist is the real Sacrament of
Salvation, since it raises our soul to a spiritual
life, and thus strengthens us on our journey
to heaven. It therefore provides for us the
necessary help for salvation.
Jesus, after having done for us all that
love could possibly invent, wills that in a
certain sense His adorable Body should
daily be born for us, so that we may cease-
lessly receive new strength and grace. The
apostle says: "He has made Himself poor
that we might be rich." Coming to us, He
dwells with us in reality, working His great-
est miracles solely to remain with us. There-
fore, let us make some return to Him for His
infinite love, let us beseech all God's friends,
in heaven, on earth, and in purgatory to
unite their adoration with ours in the sweet
words: " Blessed be the Most Holy Sacra-
ment forever." With hearts glowing with
love, 0 Jesus, let us praise Thee, let us thank
Thee, let us love Thee more and more and
forever.
0 Jesus, brightness of the Father, Who
art pleased to descend even to me, grant
by Thy grace that I may receive Thee in a
heart well disposed and that I may render
to Thee, as far as possible, worthy homage
FOR THE HOLY HOUR
251
of gratitude and love. Come, 0 adorable
Host, that Thy presence may sanctify my
soul, and be my light, my strength, my life.
Yes, come, 0 my divine Master; and when
Thou shalt have come, I will say to Thee:
" Stay with me, and may nothing henceforth
separate me from Thee."
Utoenty&tbmib Ifteatunfl; anti l&etlectton
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Legenda
MANY miracles have been wrought at
the famous shrine dedicated to the
Blessed Virgin at Lourdes, France. Some
of these miracles have been worked through
the intercession of our good Mother, others
through the adoration paid to the Most
Blessed Sacrament of the altar. In the
words of His Holiness Pius X: "Lourdes is
the center of worship to Mary, and at the
same time, the most glorious throne of the
Eucharistic Mystery in the entire world."
The great crowds of devout pilgrims
crowding about the holy shrine are not
satisfied with simply telling their beads in
the grotto; they assist also at the Holy
Sacrifice of the Mass, and, until midnight,
prostrate themselves before the Blessed Sac-
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 253
rament. Thus they offer their homage to
both our Savior and His Holy Mother.
Nowhere on earth are there so many
Masses celebrated or so many processions
of the Blessed Sacrament. At no other
spot on earth do the faithful prepare them-
selves more worthily for the reception of
the Eucharist or communicate in so great
numbers. Here in truth is verified the old
truism: "Through Mary to Jesus," for
Mary offers to her Son all the honor that
is paid to her, and thereby wins salvation
for us.
In the month of August, 1888, there are
said to have been fifteen thousand pilgrims
praying before the grotto day and night,
but in spite of their great devotion none of
the sick seemed to be healed; then they
began to pray in a body with outstretched
hands, but without success. A holy priest,
however, conceived the idea of carrying the
Blessed Sacrament in procession among the
rows of the sick, a procession in which more
than five hundred clergymen carried lighted
tapers. The infirm, stretched on couches,
raised their hands imploringly to our Lord
as He passed in His triumphal march.
Piteous appeals of: " Jesus, if it be Your
254 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
wish, You can help me," were heard here
and there. More than one helpless soul
cried out: "0 Lord, I am not worthy that
Thou shouldst enter under my roof, but
speak only one word and make me whole. "
United by the bonds of charity in their dire
need, with one voice the assembled multi-
tude sent up to heaven their pathetic sup-
plication: "Lord, help us lest we perish.
Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us.
Blessed is the name of the Lord. Hosanna
to the Son of David. " And lo, Jesus, pass-
ing by, beheld the suffering of His children,
for many of the sick arose from their beds
of pain, and with joyous acclamation joined
in the procession. During the entire night,
the priests continued the adoration before
the Lord exposed on the altar and since that
occasion the procession is repeated yearly,
the people making invocations and the sick
returning home cured.
In the year 1893, from the twentieth to
the twenty-seventh day of August, not less
than twenty-five thousand pilgrims, among
whom were fifteen hundred priests, were
present at this shrine. All the clergy took
part in the procession. The confraternity
of Perpetual Adoration carried the emblem
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 255
of the monstrance suspended from their
necks while the rest of the priests held lighted
torches. A special train brought more than
a thousand crippled, who believed with a
firm faith that they would return to their
homes cured. These were stationed along
the road on couches and rolling chairs,
awaiting the coming of the Lord. It seemed
as though the old days of Judea and Galilee
were being repeated, when the expect-
ant multitude ranged the sick along the
road-side for the healing touch. On the
approach of the Sacred Host, borne in a
monstrance by a Syrian Bishop, the diseased,
weepingly and with indescribable emotion,
recited the pathetic petitions mentioned
above. No sooner had the Bishop raised
the monstrance and given Benediction than
a large crowd of the incurables rose from
their beds, rejoicing. For three successive
evenings the procession was repeated with
the same wonderful results.
Out of the twenty-eight cures pronounced
as miraculous by the Medical Censor Board,
we shall cite only the following:
A fourteen year old boy, by the name of
Guy, a native of Montpelier, was suffering
from paralysis of the left hand; the muscles
256 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
were entirely impaired and without power of
receiving sensations. At the very moment
when the Blessed Sacrament passed the boy,
he felt life returning to the diseased mem-
ber, and, immediately loosening the bandage,
was able to use the limb. The hand was
entirely healed. An eleven year old girl,
named Leonilda Clement, a resident of
Orleans, had received her First Communion
at Lourdes on her sick-bed. From July,
1892, she had been unable to walk, as she
was afflicted with tuberculosis of the spine,
as a result of which an open wound had
constantly been discharging putrid matter.
During the procession she arose from her
bed perfectly cured.
Anna Schaefer, twenty-eight years old,
suffering from kidney trouble for seven
years, also regained her health as Jesus
passed by. Louise Delhaie was to undergo
a serious operation on account of liver
complaint, but she anxiously longed to go
to Lourdes for her cure. During Bene-
diction of the Blessed Sacrament she was
suddenly healed.
All these miracles surely testify, if we
need any testimony, the presence of our
Lord in the Holy Eucharist and the kind
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 257
intercession of His Mother, the Blessed
Virgin Mary. Although many of the sick
were not cured, still that is no reason for
complaint, as the Blessed Virgin and our
divine Lord have the perfect right to reserve
to themselves the bestowal of any grace.
Sickness and death will always remain with
us, and those who suffer patiently have more
merit than those who are in good health.1
Saint Alphonsus lived in the year 1787.
The name alone of this blessed saint brings
to mind the thought of the Blessed Sacra-
ment. His life was absorbed in it. It was,
so to speak, the very life of his soul. No
saint ever loved Jesus more dearly in the
Blessed Sacrament, none ever prayed to
Him with more fervor, none sought Him
more frequently in His tabernacle; and as
though he would multiply himself in visits
to the Most Holy Sacrament, he wrote that
little golden treatise called " Visits to the
Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar thereby
to urge numbers, like himself, to bring their
love to their Lord and their God dwelling
therein.
1 Frieburg Kirchenblatt No. 20, 1882. "Pelican," 1893.
Histoire et Critique de Lourdes, by Betrimn.
258 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
Saint Alphonsus gave himself the task of
spreading the devotion of Corpus Christi,
and with this object in view, whenever he
held a mission, he brought to bear the beau-
tiful custom of a daily visit to the Blessed
Sacrament. In order to facilitate the public
adoration of the Most Holy in poor parishes,
he provided candles at his own expense, and
by words and example he excited the people
to zealous adoration. " One thing is certain/ '
he wrote, "that, next to Holy Communion,
no act of worship is so pleasing to God, and
none is so useful as the daily visit to our
Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.' '
In his extreme old age, when sickness and
weakness deprived him of the power of
saying Mass, he endeavored as long as pos-
sible to compensate for his great privation
by assisting at it in the church. After he
had heard Mass and received Holy Com-
munion in his oratory in the early morning,
he caused himself to be carried into the
church and placed on the steps of the altar,
where he spent many hours in prayer and
assisted at five or six Masses.
Fortified with the Bread of Angels, he
entered sweetly into the joy of his Lord on
the first of August, 1787.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 259
Reflection
All the works of God are wisely done.
Fulfilling precisely the object for which it
was created, each work of the divine Hand
is great and perfect. Being a revelation of
God Himself, His works are a mirror in
which His rational creatures may see His
hidden beauty.
The Holy Ghost calls the Blessed Sacra-
ment the remembrance of the wonderful
works of God. Hence it is the masterpiece
of the Almighty. In revealing His per-
fections, it stands alone. The Blessed Sac-
rament is that unique work by which God
manifests His divine attributes to us. Why
do we come to the Holy Hour? Why do
we celebrate the Forty Hours with such
predilection if it is not to enliven our devo-
tion to Jesus in the Sacrament of His love
and how magnificently does not the Blessed
Sacrament reveal the divine Goodness? The
great God of heaven and earth dwells among
the poor as well as among the rich ; He abides
in the noisy city as well as in the quiet coun-
try; He rests as happily in the poorest way-
side chapel as in the grand cathedral rearing
260 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
its lofty spires to the skies. And all this for
love of us.
The Prisoner of the tabernacle says: "In
the Holy Eucharist I am light to the blind,
strength to the weak, health to the sick, and
life to the dead. I am a heavenly remedy
for all your spiritual miseries, renewing here
all the mysteries of My incarnation, My life,
death and resurrection. I am spiritually
born in the faithful soul, I live in it, and it
lives in Me, I suffer with it, and it suffers
with Me, and unites its sufferings and in-
tentions with Mine. I die with it, and it
dies to its sins. Through the participation
of My immortal Body it arises gloriously
from the grave of sin. I have come that the
sinner who is dead may be restored to life,
and that the just who possess life may have
it more abundantly, may advance in grace,
and pass from virtue to virtue."
1Dnmtg*tiv&t$ Ifteatune; anti l&ttltttion
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Legenda
IN the Acts of the Saints by Bollanden
we read of a certain wealthy Catholic
who resided near the city of Milan, and who
constantly gave hospitality to St. Peter of
Verona during his apostolic missions in that
section of the country. One evening the
Reverend Father arrived worn with fatigue.
This time he found his reception rather
cold. The host, who ordinarily had been
so respectful, so attentive, almost closed
the door on him. He could not fathom the
reason of this change. In the course of the
conversation St. Peter learned why his
friend had acted so unusual. He had be-
come a Manichean heretic and on that
account began to reproach his guest as the
"enemy of truth." "Come," he added, "I
262 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
shall show you the Blessed Virgin, who will
say more to you." The saint yielded to
curiosity and accompanied the heretic to the
meeting of his followers. A most attractive
lady appeared on the altar, carrying her
son in her arms: uMy son/' she said, uthou
art in error, thou seest that the truth is here,
and not with Catholics. I, the Mother of
Jesus, I tell you this."
These words, on a former occasion, had
influenced the wealthy Catholic to renounce
his faith and follow the Manichean heresy.
Saint Peter, very much incensed at this
imposition, said: "Go tell the man who
spoke thus to you that I also will become a
Manichean, if he shows me the Blessed
Virgin." The host hastened to inform his
new friend, who gladly accepted the chal-
lenge. The saint passed the night in prayer.
Next morning he reserved a consecrated
Host, which he inclosed in a pyx and placed
respectfully on his breast. Thus armed, he
went to the Manichean congregation. He
who discharged the office of medium made
the attractive lady appear on the altar, and
she publicly denounced the newcomer as the
" enemy of truth." Then Peter, elevating
the Sacred Host, said to the apparition:
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 263
"If thou art truly the Mother of God,
adore thy Son!" At these words the phan-
tom disappeared in black smoke, leaving the
hall filled with horrid odor. The devil had
taken flight at the presence of his Master.1
It is well known to all who were acquainted
with St. Catherine of Sienna that she en-
tertained profound respect and devotion for
the Body of our Lord in the Blessed Eu-
charist. It was publicly rumored that Cath-
erine communicated every day, and that she
could live without taking any other nour-
ishment. Such was the vivacity of her
desires that, on the days in which she was
deprived of Holy Communion, her body
suffered in the same manner as one that
had undergone a violent malady. Her con-
fessor used every possible effort to obtain
the consolation she so much desired; she
was conscious of this, and when she sighed
for the Bread of Angels she used to say:
" Father, I am hungry; for the love of God,
feed my soul." Therefore the Sovereign
Pontiff, Gregory XI, by a special Bull, gave
her permission to have a priest and a port-
able altar, so that she could, everywhere and
1 Bolland: torn. Ill, April, p. 701. The Sentinel of
the Blessed Sacrament, Vol. 20.
264 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
always, without any permission, hear Mass
and receive Holy Communion.
On the festival of St. John the Evangelist,
when the confessor arrived at Catherine's
house, the hour of tierce had already passed.
She turned to him and said: "Oh, Father,
did you but know how hungry my poor
soul is!" The priest understood her mean-
ing, and rejoined: "The hour of saying
Mass is nearly elapsed, and I am so fatigued
that it is very difficult for me to prepare my-
self for it." She remained silent a moment;
but soon, unable to restrain the expression
of her desire, she said to the priest again:
"I am famished." The confessor then con-
sented to yield to her request, and repaired
to the chapel in her house to say Mass." 1
In a forest of Germany, a robber once
held sway, attacking unwary travellers whose
ignorance of the locality led them to the spot.
One day he was making his usual preparations
for a marauding trip, when he heard in the
distance the faint tinkling of a little bell.
He listened and waited. What could it be?
Soon he saw from his hiding place that it
announced the approach of a priest carrying
1 B. Raymond of Capua; Her life.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 265
the Viaticum to the dying. An acolyte, as
was the custom of the country, preceded,
bearing in his hand a lighted taper and pray-
ing aloud: " Praised and blessed be the Most
Holy Sacrament." Would he rob this holy
man? No, his heart was not yet so depraved
that he had forgotten all the lessons he
learned at his mother's knees, and he mur-
mured in wavering syllables the act of
contrition.
The priest and acolyte passed on, but the
robber followed, repeating with the server:
"Praised and blessed be the most Holy
Sacrament." He even sought the bedside of
the sick man, and when the priest had
finished his ministrations prostrated himself
before God's minister and, in accents of
unfeigned sorrow, pronounced the contrite
words: "0 priest of God, know that I am a
wicked man and a robber. As you passed
through the woods I was standing on the
roadside, ready to make you my victim,
but the grace of God touched my heart and
I could not help but be sorry for my sins.
Through the mercy of that God you serve,
help me." Then the priest bending over
the prostrate form of the now penitent thief
said: " Jesus Christ has not rejected you:
266 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
neither will I reject you. He came here to
the woods because you would not go to Him.
He forgave the thief on the cross, and can
He hesitate then to forgive you? Come,
follow me." Together the two directed their
steps to a nearby monastery, where the
penitent robber made his peace with God.
His ill-gotten goods were restored, he began
to lead a new life, and, till his dying day,
attributed his conversion to Jesus in the
Blessed Sacrament.1
"0 inconceivable prodigy," exclaims a
pious author, who seems to have no life,
thought or sentiment but for the adorable
Eucharist, "0 miracle of love, to love beyond
death, to love even to the end of time, to
love for the sole good of the object beloved,
to love in spite of a thousand outrages, to
love so far as to give Himself to be their
food, to love so as to annihilate Himself,
reproduce Himself at every instant. . . .
Behold what He has done for us, He, before
whom the stars, the sun, empires and the
heavens are but dust and darkness."
"That great King," says St. Teresa, "is
1 Perpetual Adoration, No. 5, 1902.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 267
concealed under the appearance of bread
and wine in the Holy Eucharist: He has
thus veiled His majesty, to give us the
courage to draw nearer and with more con-
fidence to His divine Heart!"
Reflection
Our faith in the Holy Eucharist must be
such as to admit not even the slightest
thought of unbelief. So steadfast must we
be in our convictions, that we would rather
lose our lives than our faith. False re-
ligions have entirely subverted the words of
our divine Savior, but the Catholic Church
still holds to them in their entirety. She
believes exactly what the words signify.
If the Blessed Sacrament is nothing else
but bread, and that bread merely a remem-
brance of Jesus, then it is easy to understand
there is no mystery whatever connected with
the Eucharist. But if we grant that God,
having once loved us, continues to love us
"to the end," then there must be something
greater than a fragment of bread left as a
memorial of Himself. The words of our
Lord are clear, plain and perfectly com-
prehensible. Why would we change them
to suit our own vagaries? In the Holy
268 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
Eucharist we must firmly believe that we
possess the Sacred Body of the Lord, some-
thing that is entirely supernatural, some-
thing heavenly and holy, — aye, of all things
the holiest. The living Body of Jesus
Christ, entire but veiled, is hidden under the
lifeless form of bread. Surely, then, in the
Blessed Sacrament the omnipotence of God
shines forth most gloriously.
During this Holy Hour let us devoutly
repeat: "How delicious is the sweetness of
your heavenly Bread, O Jesus, how admi-
rable the peace and tranquillity of the soul
that receives Thee, after having deplored
and sincerely confessed her offences. Be
blessed a thousand times, O my Jesus. Eu-
charistic Heart of Jesus, burning with love
for us, inflame our hearts with love for
Thee."
"Thou wilt receive us; Thou wilt come
to us and into us. Yes, we hope, O Lord,
that Thou wilt communicate Thyself to us
until such time as we shall be able, without
a veil, and face to face, to see and possess
Thee in a happy eternity."
WtttntyMinib Etadms: ana Eeflectton
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Legenda
IN the year 1388, a small town in Ba-
varia was besieged by the Dukes of the
country and during the siege some of the
soldiers went to the neighboring village of
Sulzbach. Entering a church of that vil-
lage, they broke open the tabernacle and
carried away with them the ciborium con-
taining the Blessed Sacrament. One of the
soldiers concealed the Sacred Host, carrying
it at one time under his vest, at another in
his sleeve. He sold the little silk veil that
covered the sacred vessel to a woman for
a small sum of money, and this he spent in
sinful pleasures. Suddenly, however, the
sinful man lost the power of his limbs and,
trembling with fright, crawled into a thicket
behind a rock, (where the high altar erected
270 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
to perpetuate the event now stands), and
buried the Sacred Host. Then he dragged
himself to the camp and on his way met the
woman to whom he had sold the veil. He
asked her what she had done with it, where-
upon she told him that she had given it to
the officers for safe-keeping. The culprit
then disclosed to her his sacrilegious deed
for which God so severely punished him.
Overcome with fear, the woman immedi-
ately betook herself to the Franciscan Father
who was chaplain of the regiment and made
known to him the soldier's evil deed.
The priest, wishing to know where the
consecrated particle had been hidden, at
once ordered some of the soldiers to bear
the impious man to the spot, since the latter
was unable to go without support on ac-
count of the punishment God had meted
out to him. But the search was without
avail ; the offender was not worthy to desig-
nate the spot where rested the Sacred Host.
Another search, in which many of the promi-
nent citizens took part, was instituted, and
it resulted in the finding of the ciborium in
a deep hole. The court-chaplain, Albrecht,
accompanied by many pious people, bore the
Sacred Host to the nearest church at Woerth.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 271
But what became of the unhappy soldier?
God's visitation was upon him and he died
soon after in terrible convulsions, while his
two companions, who were accessory to his
sin, also met with a sudden death, the
one being drowned in the river Danube,
the other killed in a private brawl. When
the news of this sacrilegious deed and its
dreaded punishment spread throughout the
country, a frame hut was erected to mark
the spot sanctified by the Holy Eucharist.
Later on, in 1389, when peace had been re-
stored, a chapel, dedicated to St. Salvador,
was built on the site. Here many miracles
were wrought and many favors granted.
The renown of the little place continued to
grow until the Reformation, and even that
period of havoc did not entirely destroy
devotion in it. At the present day there
are two pilgrimages held there; on these
occasions thousands of pilgrims visit the
chapel and study the mural paintings per-
petuating the account of the robbers and
the punishment of the profaners.1
Towards the close of the sixteenth cen-
tury there lived in Naples a certain noble-
1 "Pelican," No. 12, 1894.
272 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
man — Horatio Grannopoli by name — who
made it his constant care to promote the
adoration of the Most Holy Sacrament. He
devoted a portion of his patrimony to the
erection of beautiful altars and the adorn-
ment of the tabernacle. He did not disdain
to beg from door to door in order to collect
a sufficient amount of capital, the interest
of which should furnish all poor churches
with fitting ornaments and wax candles.
Disregarding his high birth, and with the
honor and glory of God only in view, he
traversed the whole city. Great person-
ages, bankers, captains, were visited by
him, and his first words invariably were:
"Praised be the Most Holy Sacrament."
He then asked for an alms for the altars of
the Lord in His poor churches.
One morning he observed a well-dressed
man who was a stranger to him, pass out
from a neighboring palace. At once he
accosted him, and begged an alms in the name
of the Blessed Sacrament. The gentleman
replied with a derisive smile: "Thou hast
surely mistaken me for some other person.
I am an Englishman, and my name Thomas
Acton; my religion is not like thine, and I
will take good care that no alms of mine
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 273
shall be used for the worship of a piece
of bread.' ' Filled with compassion, Gran-
nopoli bowed courteously to the Englishman
and moved away; but the latter, calling him
back, begged that he would not be pained
by his reply, assuring him that the beauty of
the processions fill him with admiration, but
that it was quite impossible for him to be-
lieve that God could be present in a Host.
He then presented him with a purse con-
taining fifteen golden crowns, with the in-
junction that it should not be employed in
the glorification of the Blessed Sacrament,
but in supplying his own necessities.
A year had passed when Thomas Acton
was taken ill of a fever, which brought him
nigh to death's door. One morning this news
reached the ears of Grannopoli as he was
accompanying the Blessed Sacrament to the
sick. He at once sought the parish priest
of St. Joseph, in whose parish the sick Eng-
lishman dwelt, and besought him for the
love of God to undertake the conversion of
this poor heretic. The priest first took
counsel of the archbishop, who commanded
him to use every means in his power to draw
Thomas Acton into the Catholic Church.
The first attempts were very discouraging
274 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
and the good priest left the bedside of the
patient quite hopeless.
In the meantime the dying man became
daily weaker, and his death drew visibly
nearer, all those around him thought him
dead till one day he fell into a swoon, and
for many hours gave no signs of life. The
sick man rallied and, sending for the priest,
on his entrance at once addressed him, say-
ing: "My good Father, I am resolved to
follow your advice and become a Catholic."
Surprised and overjoyed at this marvelous
change, the servant of God at once ques-
tioned the newly made convert about religion
and the principal Mysteries of the Faith;
and, finding him sufficiently instructed, re-
ceived him into the Catholic Church. He
begged for Holy Communion, saying, "I
believe with my whole heart in the Real
Presence of Jesus in the Most Holy Sacra-
ment, and I regret that I have so long
rejected this belief." Then, with deep de-
votion and lively faith he received Holy
Communion.
The sick man told the priest that while he
had been in the swoon he distinctly heard
a voice saying, "If thou wouldst enjoy true
happiness, thou must return to the Catholic
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 275
Church/' "I resolved, and I promised God
at once to become a Catholic. "
So spake the dying Thomas Acton, his
words being often interrupted by acts of
contrition, desire for heaven, and the love
of God. In these pious dispositions he died.1
Reflection
If we fail to acquire solid virtue by the
reception of the adorable Eucharist, it is all
our own fault. In that case tepidity must
be at the bottom of our preparation. It is
all-important that we understand the press-
ing motives which urge us to communicate
with fervor. It is the Body of our Savior
that we are about to receive, — that Body
that was born of the most pure Virgin
Mary, that was scourged, crowned with
thorns, and finally nailed to the cross. And
not only that, but in the Holy Eucharist the
adorable soul of Jesus Christ is present in
all the perfection of its virtues, hypostati-
cally united with the Blessed Trinity. Jesus
Christ, the Lord of Lords, the Savior of the
world, the Judge of the living and the dead,
1 Les Merveilles divines, lii., Jos. Soli menus de
comitat Eucharist, 1. 2, c. vi.
276 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
is there present, — He at whose name every
knee shall bow in heaven, on earth, and
under the earth.
"When My friend Lazarus was dead,"
thus speaks Jesus from His Prison of love,
"I shed tears of love at his tomb; and many
of the Jews who saw me cried out: ' Be-
hold, how He loved him.' Oh, if the Jews
could perceive My love for thee in the
Eucharist, how would they not be affected?
I have poured out for thee not a few tears,
but every drop of My Precious Blood. I
administered My Body and Blood to the
unhappy disciple who had conspired to be-
tray both. While I was offering the sacri-
fice of my life, I prayed that My murderers
might partake of its merits. Every day the
Sacrifice is renewed, and I am offered up as
a victim of propitiation for the sins of my
enemies. When such are My dispositions
in the Eucharist to those who hate me, how
great must not be My love to those who
love Me."
During this Holy Hour let us unite in
saying: "0 Sacrament of Love, whether
Thou givest Thyself in Holy Communion
or remainest on our altars, Thou drawest
towards Thee with Thine divine attraction
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 277
all those hearts which enamored of Thy love
burn for Thee and ever think of Thee." I
will, therefore, dear Jesus, henceforth dis-
pose myself for a worthy Communion by
detachment from sin and the occasions of
it, and by interior acts of those virtues which
I ought to exercise before, during, and after
Holy Communion. I will spare no pains to
profit by my intimate union with You, en-
deavoring to watch over myself, to avoid
all wilful faults, to do all with a will to
please you, to be faithful in my religious ex-
ercises and courageous in restraining and
conquering myself, for these are the real
fruits of a good Communion. "I will love
Thee, O Lord, my strength." Ps. xvii. 2.
HWtitib Eeatung aim Eeflectton
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
_t\_ Francis Solano was continually found
in deep contemplation and prayer before the
Blessed Sacrament. He communicated fre-
quently and with the deepest devotion, so
that his example became contagious, and he
drew the hearts of many pious youths to
the love of a similar devotion. He could
not offer the Holy Sacrifice without shedding
abundant tears. His brethren of the Order
strove among themselves as to which of
them should serve his Mass, and each
thought himself happy who might do so.
The President of the Royal Council of the
Indies and Vice-King, De Valesco, frequently
served the saint at the altar, in order that
Legenda
example of the saints, St.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 279
he might have the happiness of being near
him and to be strengthened by his heavenly-
devotion.
It, repeatedly happened that this holy
servant of God was so wrapt in God during
the holy offering of the Mass that he would
break forth into singing the praises of our
Lord Jesus Christ and of His Blessed Mother,
causing the pious Prince de Valesco to weep
for devotion.
Now because of his childlike obedience to
God, and that his spirit had obtained a per-
fect dominion over his flesh, Nature herself
obeyed him, and he ruled over her in such a
manner that the wildest beasts harkened to
his will. At his call came the birds and
sang with him the praises of God, and dur-
ing the sickness preceding his death, which
took place on the 14th July, 1610, they were
always gathered near him singing the sweet-
est songs. Some days before his departure
the Saint gave witness, after a strange man-
ner, to the extraordinary love for Jesus in
the Blessed Sacrament. The feast of Corpus
Christi drew nigh. On this day the saint
was always full of holy joy. On the night
prior to this feast, while the servant of God
lay in great pain upon his poor little bed, his
280 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
confessor, Father Francis de Mendoza, de-
sired to visit him. On opening the door of
his cell he heard the saint singing in a loud
voice. He was singing the Invitatorium of
the Breviary, Venite adoremus, et procidamus
ante Deum, and whilst so singing his hands
were reaching forth towards the corner of the
cell, where the tabernacle was situated; it
seemed as though he saw there the Divine
Majesty in bodily form.1
St. John of the Cross, who lived about the
year 1591, took the vows of the priesthood
under obedience; but who dares describe
the holy devotion with which he prepared
himself to celebrate his first Mass? Before
the awful words of consecration he paused,
and with earnestness prayed for the grace to
spend life without mortal sin, and also that
of doing perfect penance for all that was
past. When he raised the Most Holy Host
after consecration, he heard in the depth of
his soul a voice which said, "I grant thee
what thou desirest of Me." Upon this his
heart rose full of thankful love towards his
God and Master; and so great was the
sense of his union with Christ for a length
of time he sought complete solitude, in which
1 Acta S. S.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 281
he entertained a desire to become a Carthu-
sian and thus entirely to die to the world.
His great delight was meditating before
the Most Holy. Did any one come to him
on business when thus engaged, he would
say, " Leave me alone; here is my blessed-
ness and my rest." The most wonderful
graces were imparted to him there. Once a
nun saw him through the trellis of the choir
extended before the Most Holy, and his face
glowing with joy. It came into her heart
to ask the reason of his joy; and he without
hesitation, but in the transport of his soul,
replied: " Shall I not be full of joy, seeing
that I have adored and seen my Lord? O
my daughter, what a good God we have! O
how good He is."
Always wrapt in God, he said Holy Mass.
Once, at the request of a nun, he said a
votive Mass of the Most Holy Trinity. At
the consecration he was allowed to see a
glimpse of this astonishing mystery. ' c 0, how
I thank thee, daughter," said he afterwards,
"for giving me an occasion to say the Mass
of the Most Holy Trinity! 0 what splendor,
what great good we shall enjoy in the Beatific
Vision!" So speaking he fell into an ecstasy
which lasted half an hour. But in order
282 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
to hide this extraordinary favor, he said
afterwards, "Did you not perceive what a
sound sleep took possession of me?"
On one occasion a student saw him at the
conclusion of Holy Mass entirely radiated
with light, so that he was dazzled thereby.
This appearance made such an impression
on the young man that he quitted the world
and entered into the Order of St. Dominic.
It happened once, when he was sojourning
in the lonely little convent of Pennuela, that
a lay brother kindled a fire in a stubble-
field near the monastery. On a sudden the
wind changed, and the flames bore down in
the direction of the building. Finding it
impossible to divert the flames or to save
the building, he rushed frantically to warn
the brethren, who, seeing the hopelessness of
the case, gave themselves up to tears and
lamentations. John, however, hurried to the
spot, and perceiving that the fire had al-
ready attained the place where the wood and
hay were stored, he called to the brethren,
and with a voice full of ardent faith, "My
brothers," said he, "let us go to the Most
Holy Sacrament. It will help us." All ac-
companied him to the church, whence, after
offering a fervent prayer, he returned forti-
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 283
fied with holy water. He then sprinkled the
place, kneeling between the fire and the build-
ing. Unmoved he continued to pray until
the flames turned back; and when the smoke
was cleared away the monks perceived their
brother lost in contemplation and prayer.
When danger was over John returned to his
brethren without the smallest injury. At
once they returned to the church and thanked
God for their miraculous preservations.1
It is related that while Bishop Durier was
visiting part of his diocese he met in British
Columbia a sweet little girl of nine years,
who repeatedly asked him to admit her
to Holy Communion. The prelate always
postponed it. After having received so many
rebuffs, she determined to utell our Lord"
on the Bishop. Kneeling down before the
altar she began in childish accents: "Dear
Jesus, my own dear Lord, our Bishop tells me
that I do not know You, but listen: You are
the Son of God, who came down from heaven
and was born in Bethlehem. You rested in
the arms of Your Holy Mother. You lived
at Nazareth. You were lost, but Mary found
You in the temple. You gathered twelve
1 Lives of the Saints. Butler.
284 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
Apostles around You. You died on the
cross and the third day You arose again
from the dead. Surely now, dear Lord, I
know You and all about You. Please tell
the Bishop that I know You very wTell."
But a well-known figure down the dimly-
lighted aisle had heard the heartfelt prayer,
and a strange mist encircled his kindly eyes,
as the little one tripped out of the church,
confident that at least Jesus had listened
kindly to her petition. Not many months
after, the dear child spent "the happiest
day of her life," — the day of her First
Holy Communion. "I am in Paradise,"
she exclaimed, little realizing that even such
joy is only the merest foretaste of the Land
of the Blessed.
"Ah, Christians," exclaims St. Chrysos-
tom, "why these useless wishes? In the
Eucharist, have you not the same Jesus
Christ? Does He not renew each day the
same love, the same tenderness? Oh, if
I only had the happiness to see Him, to
touch the hem of His garment! You see
Him, You touch Him; do not then envy
anything of Magdalen, of Martha, the
Apostles, Joseph or Mary. How happy is
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 285
the Christian nation ! A God comes to them
to fill them with delights. I am not sur-
prised that all the saints, that all Christian
souls, should approach with such avidity to
this ineffable Sacrament."
Reflection
Jesus Christ dwells in the Eucharist, not
attired in royal magnificence but veiled
under the appearances of bread, to be given
as ordinary food to man. He subjects Him-
self to a condition that would deprive Him
of life were He not immortal. Are we not
astonished to think that only five words
pronounced by a priest, though he may be
a sinful man, suffice to reduce Him, the
great Lord of heaven, to such apparent in-
competence? Every time and every place
the priest of God utters these words in
accordance with the regulation of the
Church, Jesus Christ obeys the call. Thus,
totally deprived of His heavenly splendor,
He remains under the Sacred Species until
they are consumed. There the great Lord
of heaven and earth lies helpless and ex-
posed to the injuries and sacrilegious out-
rages of Jews, heretics, infidels, and bad
Christians.
286 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
0 my God, how overwhelming is Thy
goodness in having instituted this Sacra-
ment for me. Thou, Lord Jesus, art con-
tent to come down from heaven to place
Thyself within the consecrated Host, and to
dwell within the tabernacle in order to exer-
cise continuously Thy love towards me, and
to shower graces upon me, undeserving as
I am.
"0 Jesus, let me know myself, let me know Thee,
And desire nothing else but Thee.
Let me hate myself and love Thee,
And do all things for sake of Thee."
%WtMw&t Keatitnff anti Inflection
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Legenda
A GERMAN edition of the Sacred Heart
Messenger, published in the year 1881,
makes mention of the following remarkable
incident. The scene of the occurrence was
at Albany, New York, and it bases its claim
to authenticity on the fact that the Ven-
erable Madam Jones, Superioress of the
Sacred Heart Convent, narrated the event
to the Messenger.
It happened that in that summer, so the
record runs, a priest was summoned to the
bedside of a sick person living at a great
distance from the city. As is usually the
case, he took the Blessed Sacrament with
him lest there should be immediate danger
of death. After riding for several hours
288 READINGS AXD REFLECTIONS
the good Father found that it would be
impossible to pursue his journey further,
the roads having been rendered impassable
by the ravages of a recent storm. The
traveler was forced to put up at a wayside
hotel. Strange to say, a messenger from
the bedside of the sick man had stopped
at the same place, and, on meeting the
minister of God, told him the invalid had
rallied a little. Relieved from anxiety by the
information, the holy man considered that,
as the night was already far advanced, it
would be better for him to remain there
until morning. Accordingly, he sought re-
pose, but before doing so carefully placed
the pyx containing the Blessed Sacrament
in one of the drawers of the bureau of his
room.
The ensuing dawn beheld a refreshed
world. As the storm had completely sub-
sided, the good priest renewed his journey.
Scarcely, however, had he ridden three
miles from the place, when he recollected
that the pyx containing the Blessed Sacra-
ment had entirely escaped his mind.
Troubled at heart he immediately turned
his horse, and spurred the animal to its
utmost speed. Having arrived at the hos-
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 289
telry, he hastily inquired from the landlord
whether anyone had occupied the room
in which he had slept the night before,
but, to his utter wonderment, he received
the answer: "Why, Reverend Sir, we
cannot even open the door, although the
key is on the outside, and further, when
we looked through the keyhole, we saw
a bright light illuminating the room."
Then the good priest understood the
marvel. Followed by the landlady
and her children, he ascended the stairs,
and before them all, without the slight-
est effort, opened the door that had
resisted all their energies. Then entering
the room he fell on his knees before the
tabernacle of the Most High.
After securing the pyx, the holy man
spoke with words of unction and inspiration
to those who were present. He reminded
the innkeeper of the signal blessing with
which God had visited his house and pointed
out to him that it was his duty to return
thanks to the Almighty for manifesting His
glory in his humble home. As a conse-
quence of the miracle, the landlord and all
his family became members of the Catholic
Church.
290 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
The superioress of the Sacred Heart Con-
vent received from the priest's own lips,
the statement of the wonderful occurrence.1
After the Johnstown flood at Johnstown,
Pa., the Associated Press gave to the world
the following account :
"The Johnstown Flood occurred May 31,
1889, by the bursting of a huge reservoir,
thus completely destroying the town, and
engulfing in its waters no less than sixty
thousand people. In its sad passage the
water descended about two hundred and
fifty feet with a velocity of nearly fifty miles
an hour, and, as it swept on its course, lordly
trees of the forest that had withstood storms
and tempests for well-nigh fifty years were
cut down like stalks of mullein. Immense
edifices swayed and tottered and finally
succumbed to the onrush of the flood.
Throughout the vast extent covered by the
work of destruction, one building alone
remained partially intact — a Convent of
the Sisters of Divine Providence.
" Having received the intelligence of the
1 Messenger of the Sacred Heart, No. 7, 1881-
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 291
terrible disaster befalling their town, the
good Sisters immediately betook themselves
before the tabernacle; they invoked God's
mercy and compassion on the unfortunate
victims of the disaster. What was the
answer to their fervent supplications? They
were saved. The lower part of the Con-
vent, it is true, was completely destroyed,
yet, amid all the ruin around, the building
remained standing on a few upright beams.1
"0 holy martyrs, 0 generous brothers,"
exclaims a preacher of our day, "you who
have preceded us in the combat, and who
await us in glory, tell us where you went to
draw that charity which made you live and
die for your God. And, in the days of per-
secution, where did you go each morning to
prepare for the sacrifice? Before the sun
shed its light over Rome, the amphitheatre,
the executioners, and the victims, you were
seen hurriedly quitting your dwellings. One
might have thought you were going to your
death, but the satellites were not yet there.
You went to the extremity of the city, to
seek an unknown temple, where you might
1 New York World, June 2, 1889.
292 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
pray to God, and learn from Him how to die."
" Jesus Christ, hidden in the catacombs,
and constrained," as Bossuet says, "to seek
other veils and other darkness than the
veils and mystical darkness with which He
covers Himself in the Eucharist, called you
to His table, and not one among you failed
to answer His call. There in the dark was
raised the altar of Him who made the sun;
a priest, bearing the marks of the tortures
he had endured, offered in sacrifice the
Victim of the world, and you, victims de-
signed for the tyrant's sword, you came to
offer yourselves with it, and to learn, in
receiving your God, to give your lives, as
He had given His. Go, now, the sacrifice
is over; return to the light of day, and to
your dwellings, where, perhaps, the execu-
tioners are awaiting you. What matter?
You have received your God. Fear nothing,
He Himself will support you in the dungeon
and at the stake. He will fight for you
against the fury of the wild beasts and the
rage of men; and if you fall in the arena,
He will crown you."
"■All courage, all strength, all charity, all
consolation, all life, all happiness is given to
us in the Holy Communion. The hour that
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 293
we spend in the morning at the foot of the
altar — that heavenly moment, when the
Bread of Angels is given to us — gives us
strength for the whole day; and when we
can only commune by desire, the days on
which we are deprived of this angelic Food
seem to us, it is true, hard to bear; but the
simple desire in itself sustains, fortifies and
encourages us. Yes, the Blessed Sacrament
of itself would make us able to bear much
more, for it is there that we find the sacred
fire that consumed the martyrs, and which
can make lions of weak men."
Reflection
In the Holy Eucharist the omnipotent
God, who stands in need of nobody, conceals
Himself under a mystic veil, not for His
own interests, but for ours. He is there
to prove His love for us and to beg for ours
in return. Oh, what a depth of mercy is
this, that God, the almighty God of heaven
and earth, should deem our poor frail love
so precious as to want it for Himself. Thus
would He make us participators in His
kingdom. Thus would He manifest to the
entire universe that He delights to be with
the children of men. Withdrawing into the
294 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
sacred obscurity of the tabernacle, He re-
mains there ever ready to hear the sighs of
the afflicted, to be the protection of the
unfortunate, the support of the tempted
soul, the Physician of the sick, and the
bounteous benefactor of all who seek His
mercy. And to do all this, He withholds
the dazzling splendor of His glory, con-
cealing the magnitude of His power, lest we
should fear to approach Him. Can we hesi-
tate then to believe that He will be our
viaticum when dying? Not content with
having given up His life once for His sheep,
this good shepherd goes still farther: He
leaves that life with us that we may actually
live by the reception of His sacred flesh and
blood. And yet, though we believe all this,
we waste our time in disgraceful tepidity.
There is no whole-hearted love for God in
our work or we should not be so careless
and indifferent. We believe all this, yet we
make no return, save the blackest ingrati-
tude, for God's matchless tenderness. We
know and believe, O great God, that Thou
art present on our altars, yet, culpable as
we are, we sin in every possible way against
the honor that is due Thee. Angels and
archangels tremble in Thy presence, princes
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 295
of the celestial court bow down in reverential
awe, and we alone, poor children of men,
dare to appear before Thy majesty in an
unbecoming posture. Nay, more, Thou in-
vitest us to Thy adorable banquet, but we,
desirous only of perishable food, refuse to
partake of the Bread of Angels.
O Lord, change our hard, unrepentant
hearts. Imbue them with Thy love so that,
united to Thee, we may rest in Thy com-
panionship for all eternity.
"0 King of angels, who can tell Thy
worth? The angels around Thy tabernacle
know how far too short eternity will prove
to exhaust the wonders of Thy Sacrament
of Love."
TOtt^feeconli Ifteatung; anti Inflection
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Legenda
ONE of the most remarkable cures ever
effected through the devotion to the
Blessed Sacrament took place in the city
of Metz, Germany, in the year 1865.
In that year a thirteen year old girl, by
name of Anna Clery, was an inmate of the
Sacred Heart Convent there. Her father
was an attorney-general in Algiers, but the
warm climate of that country not agreeing
with her mother's health, the young girl
prayed that she might suffer in her stead,
and her prayer was granted. On Holy
Thursday, 1858, the young girl was obliged
because of sickness to leave school and re-
turn to her mother. From this time on,
she was practically paralyzed, for it was
only with the greatest difficulty that she
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 297
was able to walk at all. Even eating be-
came a burden to her, so much so, that
after meals she often swooned away. On
Whit Sunday she communicated, but as
soon as she received the Blessed Sacrament,
she fainted. As time went on, her condi-
tion became much worse, and nine years of
intense suffering was her share of our Blessed
Lord's cross.
Her family physician recommending a
change of air, the sick child was sent to
Clappevilie, where her grandparents resided.
Frequently recurring spells of fever, however,
left her speechless and stiffened her limbs
until she could not even hold her head erect.
Her relatives and acquaintances were as-
tonished that she could still subsist. Cold
baths, injections of strychnine, and red-hot
irons were applied, but so fatiguing was
the treatment to the child that the mother
forbade any further applications. In the
spring of 1859 she was taken to the cele-
brated baths of Saxony, but to no avail,
and when she was even brought to Paris,
a recognized medical authority there pro-
nounced her incurable. This constant jour-
neying from place to place increased the
child's sufferings to a great extent. In
298 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
1859 her feet began to curve backward and
to become atrophic. The muscles con-
tracted and a large growth formed beneath
the knee, a growth which a physical culture
specialist pronounced so hardened that fur-
ther treatment was useless.
Her good mother, at the advice of an emi-
nent physician, abandoned the hope of an
entire cure and now devoted herself only
to the alleviation of her daughter's pains.
Being scarcely able to digest any food, the
poor child became more and more emaciated.
Most excruciating headaches two or three
times a week added to her sufferings, while
her nerves were at such a high tension
that she would scream at the least move.
But though human remedies seemed of no
avail, God's mercy and power never forsake
those who confidingly trust in Him.
Amid all her trials, Anna was always
resigned to God's holy will. She ascribed
her perseverance and steadfastness in bear-
ing her heavy cross to prayer, while, among
all her devotions, she chose that of the Holy
Eucharist as her favorite. Every week for
many years she received Holy Communion
from the hands of the priest, and on these
days she always seemed most cheerful and
I
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 299
happy. Her greatest pleasure was to make
artificial flowers for the altar; flowers which
she asked the pastor to place as near as
j possible to God's tabernacle. "I feel such
exceeding comfort during this work," she
i said, "and very often the thought recurs to
I me that I shall be cured through the Blessed
Sacrament."
It happened that Perpetual Adoration
| was instituted in her parish church on the
12th, 13th, and 14th of June, 1865. On
account of being confined to her bed, Anna
I was unable to go to church on the first two
days of the adoration, but on the third day,
in spite of her weak and infirm condition,
she insisted on being brought there that she
might adore the Lord. Wednesday morning,
June 14th, she received Holy Communion
despite her sickness. In the afternoon,
her nurse carried her to church in her
arms like a little infant. The poor girl was
by this time twenty-one years old. Anna's
mother, accompanied by the nurse with the
girl in her lap, knelt in the back of the
church that Anna might behold the figure
of our Lord as He passed them in proces-
sion. All were wrapped in profound devo-
tion, quite ignorant of the great event that
300 READINGS AXD REFLECTIONS
was soon to happen. The girl herself
seemed to be more devout than any. As
our divine Lord passed her in the mon-
strance, she passed a pitiful glance toward
Him and, in heartrending accents cried:
"0 Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make
me whole. " Hardfy had she finished her
ejaculatory prayer when a piercing pain
shot through her limbs, so that it took all
her strength to suppress a cry of anguish.
With an effort, the girl managed to get down
on her knees as she whispered to her mother
and her nurse: "Pray, pray, I am getting
well.77 Entirely overcome at the sudden
change, Mrs. Clery led her daughter from
the church into the garden. There to con-
vince herself, she examined the limb and
found to her amazement that the hard
growth at the knee had entirely disappeared.
Yes, Anna was cured. And God has done
His work well, for the cure was perfect.
Not onfy the paralysis had left her, but all
her weakness had also gone. From that
time she became stronger day by dajT.
When Anna was convalescing, she deter-
mined that her first visit would be to the
House of God, and so it was. On Sunday
within the Octave of Corpus Christi, she
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 301
took part in the procession, walking for two
hours with the other young ladies, without
experiencing the slightest fatigue. The
news of this wonderful cure spread far and
wide. Those who visited Anna in her sick-
ness now left her side rejoicing, praising and
thanking God. The doctor, after his first
meeting with the girl, expressed himself
thus: "God is more powerful than man."
The pastor of the church of St. Martin
in Metz, where the wonder occurred, hands
down the following statement: " Since the
memorable day of the fourteenth of June,
1865, Anna Clery has not experienced the
least inconvenience from her former ail-
ments. She is able to take any kind of
food, can walk, or ride by train or car, and
in fact can do anything that healthy people
are accustomed to do. Her headaches are
a thing of the past, while the reddish streak
about her eyelids has completely disap-
peared. Without any support whatever, she
is now able to carry her head erect, and her
limbs are strong and steady. No sooner did
her cure take place than she could wait on
herself, a thing it was impossible for her to
do before that, and laughingly she said:
'The good Lord told the paralytic in the
gospel to take up his bed and walk. He has
302 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
done more for me: He has given me strength
sufficient to make my own bed.'"
The Bishop of Metz published the fol-
lowing letter: " Having considered the fore-
going narrative to be as edifying as we know
it to be strictly conformable to truth, we
have approved of its publication. It is
scarcely possible to imagine anything more
likely to awaken in the hearts of the Chris-
tians earnest sentiments of faith, trust, and
love of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Blessed
Sacrament of the altar, and to increase
among us devotion to the institution of the
Perpetual Adoration, than this simple re-
cital of what took place in the church of
St. Martin during the religious services of
that time. It would seem as if our Blessed
Lord had wished to show by a signal favor
how acceptable is this homage to His divine
heart, and that He has chosen for that token
the sudden and miraculous cure of a young
girl whose faith had led her to fall at His
feet, to cry out with lively faith and humble
confidence: 'Lord, if Thou wilt Thou canst
make me whole!'
"PAUL
At Metz, 8th September, 1865. ofM^> *
1 Kath. Missionsblatt, No. 24, 1884. Letters of the
Pastor, June 14, 1866.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 303
Reflection
St. Chrysostom says: "Let us always
believe God; neither must we resist Him,
although what we say might appear absurd
to our senses and thoughts. Let His words'
surpass our sense or reason, particularly in
everything which we do in the mysteries;
not only looking at the things which lie
before us, but also adhering to His words,
for by His words we cannot be deceived, but
our senses are easily deceived. The former
cannot be false; the latter are frequently
so, and are frequently deceived. Therefore
since He has said, 'This is my Body/ let no
doubt possess you; but let us believe it,
and behold it with the eyes of our under-
standing. He was not satisfied being made
man; with being scourged, etc., but He has
reduced us, if I may use the expression, into
one mass with Himself, and this not by
faith only, but in very truth He makes us
His own body. What, therefore, should be
cleaner than he who partakes of such a
sacrifice? What solar rays ought not those
hands exceed in brightness, which divide
this flesh, that mouth which is filled with
304 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
spiritual fire, that tongue which is purpled
with this tremendous blood?"
St. Augustine teaches that God who can
do all that He wills in heaven and on earth
and can create a thousand worlds more
beautiful, more admirable than this uni-
verse, cannot, however, give us a greater
gift than that of the Holy Eucharist. "His
wisdom," says he, "has found nothing more
precious than this and despite His infinite
riches, this is the first of all His treasures
and the one which in itself contains all."
"Heart of Jesus, inflamed with love of us, inflame our
hearts with love for Thee."
" Heart of Jesus in the Eucharist, sweet companion of our
exile, I adore Thee."
TOrt^TOtti Eeatung and Inflection
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Legenda
ALMOST parallel with the case of Miss
Clery of Metz, the account of which
was edited from Miss Fullerton in England,
there happened a similar miracle in one of
the convents in London. Although the latter
is not as prominent as the one above men-
tioned, yet it has been substantiated and
attested by witnesses. A letter dated the
tenth of January, 1866, and written by an
abbess of the Poor Clares to Father Galway,
a member of the Jesuit Order, and approved
by the archbishop of Westminster, gives the
following account of the miracle.
" Reverend Father: It gives me great
pleasure to relate and to publish a miracle
I which our divine Lord was pleased to work
306 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
in our convent on the anniversary night of
His birth.
"We have in our community a member
who bears the name of Rose. For the past
nine months she had been so paralyzed in
her limbs that she was completely helpless.
By her own will power she could not make
the slighest movement, but had to be as-
sisted from place to place in a rolling chair.
Importuned by her entreaties, the doctor had
at last permitted the poor Sister the use of
crutches. Nor was paralysis the only afflic-
tion to which she was subject. For ten
months she had hardly taken any food.
At times she was so weak that for days she
could scarcely speak. Daily she seemed to
grow more emaciated before our eyes.
"Her physicians were powerless, yet they
were unable to alleviate her sufferings.
Two days before the feast of Christmas,
our invalid was in a weaker condition than
ever before. On Christmas eve her nurse
begged me not to allow her to attend
midnight Mass, but when the patient suf-
ferer made her own supplicating petition
I had not the heart to refuse.
"At ten o'clock that Holy Night, Sister
Hyacinth took her to%the choir. After the
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 307
singing of the Te Deum, the little Christ-
child was brought in procession to the
chapel and placed in the crib. As Sister
Rose expressed an earnest desire to make a
visit to the Babe in the manger, Sister
Hyacinth and I lifting her in our arms
managed to take her there. The poor
Sister, though she had made an almost
superhuman effort to kneel, could hardly do
so for more than two minutes. When we
assisted her back to her seat she sank in a
state of supreme exhaustion. One of the
Sisters, impelled by some mysterious feel-
ing, took her crutches and placed them
before the crib. In fact, the entire com-
munity seemed to have a presentiment that
God would do something wonderful that
very night.
"On the stroke of twelve, the solemn
Midnight Mass began. At the Communion
Sister Rose went to the railing as usual on
her crutches, but it seemed more difficult
for her to do so than ever before. As she
received the Sacred Host her earnest prayer
was: "0 Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst
make me whole; but if it is to Your greater
honor that I remain as I am I shall bear the
cross most willingly for the rest of my life."
308 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
A flood of happiness inundated her soul
when she had made this act of resignation.
" After a half hour had elapsed, I gave
Sister Hyacinth a sign to conduct Sister
Rose back to the infirmary. As the latter
took up her crutches to repair to the sick-
room, an inner voice seemed to whisper to
her: 'Why do you take your crutches, you
incredulous child? You do not need them
anymore.' But not expecting such a signal
favor to be worked in her behalf, Sister Rose
heeded not the inner voice, and used her
crutches as before.
"Hardly had she reached the corridor,
however, when she felt that her limbs were
cured. Stopping for a moment, she placed
her feet on the floor to test her strength.
To the astonishment of her companions, she
threw her crutches away, and stood erect
without support. Then she fell on her
knees in adoration before a crucifix hanging
in the corridor. After this she arose and
went to the chapel, where she prostrated
herself at the feet of our Blessed Lord in
the monstrance. Imagine our surprise, if
you can, when we saw her walk up the aisle
without any assistance.
"The cure, too, was a complete one. Out
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 309
of joy and thanksgiving, we then chanted
the Te Deum, after which Sister Rose re-
turned to the infirmary. At five o'clock
she went with us to breakfast. Her ap-
petite was very good, and she herself de-
clared that she felt well.
"Froin day to day we became convinced
that we all had been an eyewitness to an
extraordinary supernatural favor. Sister
Rose's health was completely restored, for
with her cure, her stomach trouble had en-
tirely vanished. Immediately after Christ-
mas she left the infirmary, and the stairs
which for nine months she ascended with
the greatest difficulty she now mounts with
ease. May the Most Holy Sacrament
and the Infant Jesus be praised and adored
forever.
Sister M. Seraphim van Biervliet,
Abbess of the Poor Clares." 1
A corporal stained with the Blood of
Jesus Christ at Brussels has the following
history the truth of which is vouched for by
the Bishop of Cambrai.
The Right Reverend Henry de Berges,
Bishop of Cambrai, published a letter on
1 Messenger of the Sacred Heart, Vol. 8, 1866.
310 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
the first of May, 1493, in which he writes as
follows:
"The cure and rector of the Church of
Notre Dame called 'De la Chapelle' at
Brussels; in our diocese, have informed us
that for many years they have venerated
in said church a corporal stained with the
Blood of Jesus Christ and preserved in a
vase of silver. They add that a priest,
during the secret Memento after the con-
secration and elevation of the Body and
Blood of Jesus Christ, had entertained
doubts about the substantial change of the
white wine mixed with water, into the
Blood of the divine Body of our Savior;
that by accident .and through inadvertence
he upset the contents of the chalice on the
corporal; and that the whole corporal was
stained with it. This corporal is in the said
church an object of great veneration to the
faithful. For a long time it has been the
custom to expose it publicly on the Feasts
of the Invention and Exaltation of the
Holy Cross. During the religious upris-
ings of the sixteenth century the corporal
disappeared."
A similar miracle to the above mentioned
gave rise to the Confraternity of the Blessed
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 311
Sacrament at Maubeuge, in French Hainault.
A priest at the altar suddenly saw the
Blood of Jesus Christ, fresh and ruddy, rise
bubbling in the chalice and overflow on the
corporal, which was saturated. The whole
city was astir at this wonder. In order to
perpetuate this event the Bishop gave orders
that the precious linen, purpled with the
Blood of the Savior, should be inclosed in
a silver casket. A sanctuary was built as a
shelter for this treasure and a Confraternity
of the Blessed Sacrament established. Every
year the members of the Confraternity,
clothed in red mantles and torches in hand,
take part in the procession held in honor of
the miracle.1
Reflection
Why does the Church enact a law that
several or at least one lamp should per-
petually burn before the Blessed Sacrament?
It is because she wishes to honor our Lord.
In our public festivals do we not use an
array of brilliant illuminations? So, too,
citizens make use of dazzling lights when
they pay a public tribute to honor the
president, king, or emperor. The same cus-
1 Tabernakelwacht, 1898.
312 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
torn has also prevailed in sacred history. So
also the Church wishes to honor the King
of Kings by having several or at least one
lamp burning before Him in the places
where He has chosen to make His abode
and where He delights to dwell. This mark
of respect is eminently pleasing to our Lord.
As a proof of this, Pope Gregory I relates
that one day, when there was no oil to sup-
ply the lamp in the sanctuary of St. Paul's
Church at Rome, the sacristan filled the
lamp with water and lighted the wick; by a
miracle of God's love it burned as if it had
been really supplied with oil. St. John
Chrysostom also affirms that many sick
persons were suddenly cured after being
anointed with the oil taken from the
sanctuary lamp.
As the star shone over the lonely crib of
Bethlehem that the shepherds might know
where the infant Jesus lay, so the light
shines before the tabernacle to point out to
the Faithful that here, too, is the same
Savior whom they also should come to
adore.
The light is symbolic of Christ, "who is
the true light, which enlighteneth every man
that cometh into the world." It signifies
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 313
that Christ is the light of the world, that
He is the Way, the Truth and the Life, the
unspotted mirror of God's majesty. The
flames represent the love with which Christ
burns for souls, therefore which He came to
cast upon the earth and that He wishes to
see enkindled in every human heart, while
the oil is symbolic of the sweetness and
mercy of Jesus in the Eucharist. The
sanctuary lamp tells us that our lives should
be consumed in the service of God, and
bids us to love Him in the secret sanctuary
of our hearts. It is related of a saintly
priest that, when he saw the lamp, he was
wont to exclaim: "Oh, that I could partici-
pate in the nature of the oil in order that
I might be consumed before the Blessed
Sacrament.''
'flr&frt^ourtfj l^Uatung: ana Inflection
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
'HERE are on record numberless favors
J- granted by Jesus to those who pray
to Him in the Blessed Sacrament. Car-
dinal de Noailles, Archbishop of Paris, re-
lates in his Pastoral of August 10, 1725,
the following cure of Mme. Anne de la
Flosse, which took place on the feast of Cor-
pus Christi in 1725. This lady had been
suffering for twenty years from an incur-
able issue of blood. She had become so
weak, that she was no longer able to walk
even with the aid of cratches, and it very
often happened that she fainted from sheer
exhaustion. After she was compelled to
leave her bed on account of pains in her
side, and when out of bed had to be car-
ried from one place to another. Sixty most
Legenda
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 315
trustworthy witnesses testified to the fact
that Anne de la Flosse was in this pitiable
condition mentioned at the approach of the
feast of Corpus Christi. It happened that
about this time she felt strongly inspired by
Almighty God to beseech our Lord to cure
her at the moment when the Blessed Sac-
rament would be carried by her house in
the solemn procession of the feast.
She was taken down and placed before
the door where she waited patiently and
prayed most fervently until our Lord was
carried by. On being told, " Behold, there
is the Blessed Sacrament/ J she knelt down
to adore, and being too weak to remain in a
kneeling posture, she threw herself on the
ground and cried in a loud voice, "Lord, if
Thou wilt, Thou canst make me whole, for
I believe that in the Blessed Sacrament
there is the same Lord who one day entered
triumphantly into Jerusalem; forgive me
my sins and I shall be cured." Then she
tried to advance with the procession by
dragging herself with her hands and knees,
constantly crying out, "My Lord, Jesus
Christ, if Thou wilt Thou canst cure me."
Many of the people were perfectly aston-
ished at her behavior, while others took her
316 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
for a drunken or a crazy woman and insisted
that she retire and keep silence. She would
not be intimidated, however, but continued
crawling after our Lord in the Blessed Sac-
rament, saying, "Let me follow my Lord
and my God." This great faith of hers
could not go unrewarded. Suddenly she
felt the strength returning to her limbs.
Filled with holy joy she rose up, but fearing
that she might not be strong enough to
walk to church, she cried still louder than
before, "Lord, let me enter Thy temple
and I shall be cured." She then requested
her two companions to allow her to walk
unassisted and to the astonishment of all
she proceeded without any support as far
as the parish church, whither the Blessed
Sacrament was being carried. As soon as
she entered the church, she felt perfectly
cured of the issue of blood, and so strong as
to be able to walk about with ease. After
spending a considerable time in thanking,
praising, and blessing our Lord Jesus Christ
in the Holy Eucharist for the immense
benefit He had bestowed upon her, she re-
turned home accompanied by a great crowd
of people. Many who had witnessed her
intense suffering for years now came to
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 317
behold the great miracle which Jesus Christ
in the Blessed Sacrament had wrought
upon her. To make sure that she was
perfectly cured, they requested her to walk
up and down in their presence, which she
did with the greatest delight, in order thus
to give honor and glory and thanks to her
divine Benefactor in the Blessed Sacrament.1
The same year, 1725, witnessed a no less
remarkable incident in Chambry, France.
This miracle was brought about by the
prayers of a little child, not more than
eleven years old, who had a wonderful de-
votion to our hidden Lord of the tabernacle
and who could often be seen in church
praying most devoutly before the altar.
One day her father was stricken with a
fatal sickness. With tears in her eyes the
child ran to the priest, uttering this sor-
rowful plaint: "O Father, come, help us.
Make my father well again !" "My child,"
answered the priest, "of myself I can do
nothing, but I will bring our dear Lord in
1 Explication de priers et de ceremonies de la Messe by
Le Brune, torn. 3. Fastes et legendes par le Gaulie et
Deharbe.
318 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
the Holy Viaticum to your father. Pray
that Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament may
make him well." Following the priest's
advice the good child prayed long and fer-
vently before the tabernacle, but to her dis-
may, when she returned home she found
her father unimproved. Again the little one
sought the priest: "Father," she said, "I
have prayed so earnestly, but it is all of no
avail." "Pray again and more fervently,
my child," advised the holy man. Once
more the little one knelt before the taber-
nacle. She returned only to find her father
sick unto death. With tearful eyes she
again sought the priest: "Dear Father, I
have done everything but the good God will
not hear my prayer." Again she repaired
to the church and knelt before Jesus in the
home of His love. Her eyes brimming with
tears, she thus framed her petition: "O
Jesus, if Thou wilt Thou canst help my
father!" Minutes passed into hours and
still the little one knelt on, repeating again
and again her heart's petition. Suddenly
the church door opened and a manly figure
entered a pew back of the kneeling child.
Her prayers ended, the little one arose to
hasten home to her sick father, when lo,
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 319
there behind her knelt her father, fully re-
covered through her angelic prayers. Filled
with joy and gratitude, both gave thanks to
Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.1
In the city of Eichfeld, Germany, the fol-
lowing favor, wrought through the prayers
of two children, is recorded.
The wife of an officer in the Belgian
army, a baroness by birth, had been by a
paralytic stroke deprived of her voice and
the use of her left arm for many years. In
consequence of her infirmity,, she was obliged
to entrust the education of her children to
her husband. As soon as their little daugh-
ter was prepared to make her First Holy
Communion, the father took her to a nearby
academy, where she was admitted as a mem-
ber of the First Communion Class. Before
the great day approached, the little girl on
one occasion said to her mother: " Sweetest
mother, just be patient till my First Com-
munion Day, then our divine Lord will
surely give you your speech again.' '
The joyful event was now at hand, and
slowly and reverently the dear child made
1 Eichsfeld Volksblatt, No. 24, 1884.
320 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
her way to the altar railing to receive her
Lord in her little heart. But one face was
absent from among her relatives, for her
poor mother was compelled to remain home
on account of her infirmities, and thus had
to forego the pleasure of seeing her daughter
make her First Communion. But behold,
our divine Lord did not allow the child's
faith and confidence in His mercy and power
to go unrewarded. Who can describe the
joy of the whole family, when, on their
return home from church, the mother greeted
them, the first words she had spoken for
years.
Yet the good woman was still afflicted
with another evil, for her arm remained as
powerless as ever. This time her little boy
came to her aid. "Mother," he said one
day, "when I make my First Holy Com-
munion, I shall ask our dear Lord to cure
your arm." Not only had this particular
limb been powerless, but after a thorough
examination, an eminent physician had
affirmed that a cancer had set in and that
the mother's death was only a question of
time.
The month of April, 1871, saw the young
boy making his First Holy Communion. In
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 321
spite of her feeble condition, the afflicted
mother was brought into the church. At
the Communion of the Mass, filled with
lively faith and confidence in God's mercy
and power, she rose from her seat and cried
out in pitiful accents: "O my Lord and my
God, do not do Your work by halves." To
the astonishment of all, her own prayer
together with that of her son obtained for
her the gift she craved: she had the entire
use of her arm once more. Both children
joined the happy mother in rendering thanks
to God.1
Reflection
In the Eucharist we receive the infinitely
good and merciful God who has not only
the power but the will to bestow all blessings
upon us, for He loves us with an infinite
love, and His heart yearns to enrich us with
His gifts and graces, if we place no obstacle
in the way.
Hence it is that the Fathers of the Church
affirm that one single communion, made
with the requisite dispositions, suffices to re-
form a sinner into a saint. And why not?
At the Holy Table do we not approach the
1 "Pelican/' 1893.
322 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
source of all sanctity? Do we not receive
there the very author of sanctification? How
we ought to rejoice in this our faith! This
God of ours is willing and able to make us
holy, and if we seriously desire it He will
accomplish this design of His love.
And why should all this be impossible?
If the hem of Christ's garment healed an
inveterate disease, if the shadow of St.
Peter walking through the streets of Jeru-
salem restored health to the sick, what can-
not He, who is the Lord of life, effect in
those who receive Him? It is common
teaching that we may become holy by living
in intimacy with one who is holy. Why
should not we who receive the Holy of Holies
into our very hearts be more favored than
Zaccheus who entertained the Holy of Holies
in His own home?
0 good Shepherd, do Thou calm all my
sorrow; do Thou heal my wounds; do Thou
feed me often with the "Food of angels/'
that nourishes my soul and gives it life
eternal.
TOtMtftfi Keaiuno; ana Witilzttim
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Legenda
IN the year 1870, a soldier, severely
wounded, happened to be an inmate of
an infirmary in charge of the Jesuit Fathers
of Metz. Imbued with the prevalent but
erroneous idea that if he received the Holy
Viaticum he would surely die, he persist-
ently refused any spiritual assistance. As
he grew worse from day to day, the doctors
finally gave up all hopes of his recovery.
When the soldier became aware of his
imminent danger, he humbly asked for the
priest, and with sentiments of true con-
trition, received the last sacraments. No
sooner had he made his thanksgiving after
Communion than he fell into a deep sleep.
The doctors, who had agreed upon an ampu-
tation of the soldier's wounded arm, visited
324 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
the patient while he was still sleeping.
Examining the member, one of them said:
"Who has healed this patient? What a
happy change for the better." "This morn-
ing/ ' the brother infirmarian replied, "he
received Holy Communion." The soldier
awoke while they were conversing. Hear-
ing of the wonder wrought in his favor, he
resolved with feelings of the deepest grati-
tude and contrition to receive the Holy
Sacraments often. The unexpected hap-
pened. The man, whose death was only a
question of time, recovered, and was soon
able to leave the hospital, perfectly cured.
True to his promise he was thereafter a
fervent communicant.1
Church history furnishes us with many
examples of wonderful cures wrought by
the power of our Lord in the Blessed
Sacrament.
St. Gregory Nazianzen, when pronouncing
a funeral oration over the death of his
saintly sister, recounted the following:
"At one time in her life my sister was
afflicted with a terrible malady, so that the
1 St. Benedicts Stimmen No. 12, 1881.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 325
doctor had given up all hopes of her re-
covery. But this good sister of mine, noth-
ing daunted, left her bed one night and
sought the church. There, in front of the
tabernacle, she prostrated herself and thus
communed with our hidden God: cO Lord,
once during Your mortal life here on earth,
a woman sorely afflicted with a serious dis-
ease touched the hem of Your garment and
was instantly cured. And have You be-
come less powerful now? Is Your kind-
heartedness never again to be displayed in
behalf of the sick? Are Your love and
omnipotence limited? 0 Lord, look down
upon me, a poor sinner, here prostrate be-
fore Your tabernacle where Your immeas-
urable love for creatures keeps You a
prisoner. I protest that I shall not leave
this spot till I am cured. " And was such
a prayer of faith left unanswered? No, for
hardly was her plaintive appeal uttered,
when my sister arose from the spot com-
pletely cured. " 1
Sister Mary Gabriel, the subject of this
little sketch, was of noble birth. Her tender
1 Schweiz. Kath. Sonntagsbl. No. 38. 1886. Saint Greg,
de Nazianze by Benoit.
326 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
piety exalted her still more than her rank
and fortune, for in her very youth, the parti-
cipation of the Holy Eucharist was her great-
est delight. After the death of her mother,
closing her eyes to the golden prospects
which lay within her grasp, she left her
father's princely mansion, that in the seclu-
sion of a cloister she might oftener and more
worthily approach the Sacrament of Love.
When her novitiate was finished, after
some trial her confessor and superiors al-
lowed her to communicate several times a
week, increasing the privilege to daily com-
municate a year after she pronounced her
vows. Who can describe the transports of
our holy Mary Gabriel? Who can tell of
the delight and joy which filled her soul on
being allowed to receive her God and Savior
every day? A thousand times she blessed
that divine hand which had withdrawn her
from the world with all its vanity and de-
ceit. Every moment she could spare she
spent before the tabernacle of her Beloved,
and not satisfied with her leisure moments
of the day, like the dove whose amorous
complaints is interrupted by night, she
prolonged her visits even after the com-
munity had retired to rest.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 327
Inebriated with celestial sweets, this holy-
creature might well complain with St. An-
thony that the sun rose too soon for her,
since often when its rays began to gild the
horizon she could still be found with the
dear object of her love. This did not sur-
prise the community, knowing, as they did,
Mary Gabriel's great devotion to the Holy
Sacrament, and the solidity of her virtue,
which did not consist in extraordinary
transports alone, but in the constant prac-
tice of humility, patience, mortification,
exact fidelity to the rules, and divine
obedience.
But our Lord seldom finishes the work
of sanctification on Thabor, He leaves it to
be consummated on Calvary. This Mary
Gabriel experienced, for she grew very ill,
and was only able to approach the Holy
Table occasionally. Nevertheless she bore
this sensible privation in a most edifying
manner.
However, the privation of her most longed-
for treasure increased her malady so that her
health rapidly declined, and she was reduced
to a mere shadow. Still she continued to
edify her religious sisters by her pious resig-
nation, which she practiced in the greatest
328 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
perfection, though her extreme desire for
communion often caused her to exclaim:
" Alas, Mary Gabriel, where is now thy God?
Are, then, the happy days in which He
fed you with His own flesh at the table of
His Love fled forever? O Jesus, my King,
my Love, I love You and my inability to
receive You so often is the greatest pain I
endure/'
One day in which she made an effort to
visit the Holy Sacrament, her weakness
became so great that they were obliged to
carry her from the choir to the infirmary.
She soon became much worse, and the
superioress thought it would be advisable to
have the Blessed Sacrament administered
to her if possible. Nothing could give the
poor invalid more joy than the happy news
that she was soon likely to enjoy her God.
"Ah, mother/' said she to the superioress,
"from the moment I entered this holy house
I felt no desire save that of possessing my
Jesus in His Sacrament, and of enjoying
Him in heaven. Now the hour has arrived,
and this God of love is about to console and
visit His child and His spouse surrounded
by the shades of death. Will you, dear
Reverend Mother, tell my religious sisters
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 329
to ask our Lord to send His Blessed Mother
and the angels, that they may form such a
court as He has in heaven, and give Him a
suitable reception when He comes to me."
After these pious transports, the superi-
oress directed the nuns to strew the church,
the corridors through which the Holy of
Holies was to pass, and the infirmary with
roses, carnations, jessamines, and the most
fragrant flowers. When all was ready the
whole community, garbed in their habits
and bearing lighted tapers, accompanied the
divine Sacrament in grand procession, min-
gling their solemn chants with the gentle
tinkling of the bell.
At the approach of the thrice Holy Vis-
itant, Mary Gabriel, whose love rendered
her superior to her weak state, got out of
bed, and received the Last Sacrament with
a fervor truly angelical. On account of her
extreme weakness, however, they were soon
obliged to make her return to bed and she
died shortly after. After her death they
found on her neck a medal with this
inscription: It is for Jesus I live, and for
Him I die.1
1 Les Merveilles de Sainte Eucharistie, 1890.
330 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
Reflection
Let us draw closer to Jesus in the taber-
nacle and hear Him say: "Many kings and
prophets wished to see what you behold,
and have not seen it. During four thou-
sand years, the just continually sighed for
my coming. All the worship, ceremonies
and the sacrifices of my faithful people were
typical of Me, and prefigured Me. The
expectation of My future reign on earth
cheered the patriarchs and prophets in all
their tribulations. Abraham, your father
in the faith, saw My day in spirit — he saw
it and rejoiced. Jacob consoled his chil-
dren on his death-bed by promising that I,
'The expectation of nations/ would come.
David's soul thirsted for Me as the weary
stag thirsts after the fountain of water. He
declared He would be satisfied only when My
glory would appear. Isaias wished that I
would break through the heavens and come
down. What they desired so much thou
dost enjoy. What they wished to see thou
canst behold every day. Thou canst not
only behold Me, but receive Me into thy
heart, and be entirely transformed into Me."
In the words of St. Thomas, the Blessed
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 331
Sacrament is an august memorial of divine
omnipotence. It is, further, an admirable
compendium of God's greatest gifts and
miracles. When the Almighty assumed hu-
man nature He elevated man to the throne
of His divinity, and admitted Him to the
bosom of His infinite charity. Here every-
thing is changed, God's majesty abases itself
to our nothingness, His immensity conceals
and imprisons itself within the narrow pre-
cincts of our hearts. In the incarnation,
one man alone was an ineffable bond per-
sonally united to the word in the Eucharist;
the Word by an excess of love united Him-
self to one of us by an alliance so noble that
after the hypostatic union it is impossible to
conceive anything more admirable.
Jesus Christ merited some particular grace
for us by each of the actions of His life. In
the other sacraments we receive heavenly
gifts drop by drop, as it were, but in this,
our soul is submerged in the fountain of
graces. 0 God, how truly magnificent art
Thou in Thy dwellings, with Thy poor
creatures. 0 inestimable Treasure, Thou
couldst indeed make us an object of envy to
the angels, if envy were possible to heavenly
beings.
332 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
During this Holy Hour let us say: O
Lord, who will recount all Thy blessings?
No tongue can express, no mind conceive,
what Thou bestowest in Thy mystery on
those who love Thee. Thou givest to the
faithful soul the Food of Angels, the Bread
of heaven, containing in itself all sweetness.
"Now, 0 Lord, Thou dost dismiss Thy
servant in peace, because mine eyes have
seen Thy salvation."
TOtt^&fetl) Eeatung anb Inflection
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Legenda
THERE has been found in the archives
of the church of the Franciscans a
letter written December 22, 1714, by Mgr.
de Belsume, Bishop of Marseilles, which
treats of a miracle in connection with the
Blessed Sacrament.
"On Friday, September the 21st of this
year, the Most Blessed Sacrament was
exposed in the church of the Franciscans of
this city. Shortly before Benediction, about
three and a half in the evening, the weather
being very cloudy and rainy, there appeared
before the whole congregation in the mon-
strance above the tabernacle a figure in
relief. It represented Jesus Christ at half-
length. The Savior's head showed a medal-
lion struck on the Host. The face was
334 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
luminous and the eyes full of life. The
witnesses cannot say precisely what was
the color of the face, hair, beard or clothing.
They certify only that they remarked all
these things, also the features of the face,
and that from afar, as well as near, they saw
the same thing and with the same ease.
The face of the Savior appeared to them
rather long and of inexpressible beauty and
sweetness.
"The Brother Sacristan and some others,
being the first to perceive it, called to a
religious who was passing. This religious,
surprised and believing at first that there
was some trickery in it (these are his own
words), wished to examine the apparition
more closely. Several times he changed his
position for that purpose. He retired to a
distance, he approached the altar, but from
all these different points, whether near or
remote, he saw the same figure looking at
him. Not satisfied with approaching as
near as possible, he mounted and knelt on
the altar, his face pressed against the mon-
strance, on the glass of which he still beheld
the likeness of the Savior. Then he took a
lighted wax-taper which was near, and turn-
ing around the crystal of the monstrance,
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 335
he saw the same thing. This religious-
priest, being a painter, at once thought of
his art. He desired to engrave the likeness
on his mind in order to sketch it. But when
he tried to examine the eyes, he was unable
to support their glance. He remained, as it
were, immovable. They were obliged to
take the candle from his hand and assist
him to descend from the altar, around which
the people were gathered in holy admiration.
"The Father Guardian, informed of what
had transpired, and following the example of
St. Louis, did not desire to see the prodigy
nor to inform his religious in their choir
stalls of what had taken place. No one
thought of sending to notify my Grand
Vicars, for I was in my country home in
Aubagne. He even ordered them without
further delay to give Benediction of the
Blessed Sacrament. The priest who gave
it, informed by the religious-priest, beheld
the same wonder on taking down the mon-
strance from the niche. He saw it until the
monstrance was placed on the altar, and
then, like the others, he beheld only the
Sacred Host as usual.
"More than sixty persons, among them
five or six Franciscans, persons of all ages
336 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
and professions, and all worthy of belief,
say they saw the same thing under the same
circumstances. There was no disagreement
among those whom I have interrogated in
the ordinary forms and with the closest
attention. I forgot to mention that a little
child called loudly to its mother to look
at what was so beautiful. But before pro-
ceeding with the juridical examination of
the witnesses, I commenced by going to the
Franciscan Church accompanied by my
Grand Vicars, Promotor and Secretary.
Then I visited the so-called miraculous
Host. I found it like the others. They
had examined it after the Benediction at
which the prodigy took place, and replaced
it in the ciborium only after having scru-
tinized both sides. The empty monstrance
remained as usual on the altar. It could be
easily seen that it held nothing capable of
producing such an effect. I had the mon-
strance brought to me. I found the glass
thick, slightly obscure, and all cut in
facets like a diamond, so that any image
placed opposite to it would have been re-
flected as many times as there were facets.
It did not appear that any reflection of
light could have been employed. I ordered
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 337
an unconsecrated host to be put into the
monstrance, the latter placed in the niche,
and candles lighted as on the feast of St.
Matthew. I made them draw and open the
curtains of the church. I examined whether
any picture had been placed in such a way
as to cast on the crystal of the monstrance
the face which had been seen there. It all
appeared impossible to me as there was not
in the whole church a picture of the Savior
except an Ecce Homo, crowned with thorns,
poorly executed, but venerable as being the
work of King Rene, Count of Anjou and
Provence. Finally, Sir, we all concluded,
after mature and deliberate examination,
that there could not be anything natural in
what had occurred, and that they might por-
ceed with the hearing of the witnesses to the
miracle. This apparition lasted more than
a half hour." 1
Graverolles, a hamlet on a small island
of the Seine, was inhabited by about forty
families. It boasted of a small church where
the Holy Sacrifice was offered several times a
week by the assistant priest of Rigny. The
1 Pastoral Letter, Dec. 22, 1714, by Mgr. de Belsunce.
Sentinel of the Blessed Sacriment, Vol. XV.
338 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
little Mass-server, Peter Hureau, was a
bright boy of eleven, and a child of unusual
piety. He was preparing for his First Holy
Communion, which he hoped to receive in
the coming month of May, 1910. On the
morning of January 28th, as little Peter
crossed the bridge on his way to school at
Rigny, he noticed the water had risen since
the day before. Yet, as the hamlet was much
higher than the stream and he had often
heard it said that there was no danger of
an overflow of the Seine, he did not worry.
At four o'clock in the evening on his way
homeward, Peter noticed the Seine had
risen considerably since morning. In the
distance the meadows were under water,
presenting a broad, grey surface covered
with tiny waves, here and there broken
by protruding tree-tops. The little lad
admired the spectacle, but felt no fear.
Graverolles, he thought, was beyond danger.
Thus he quietly turned aside from the
ordinary road and ascended a by-path, to
the edge of a small wood, where stood a
statue of the Blessed Virgin. A half-hour
walk brought him to the spot. Although
it was now twilight he nevertheless knelt
there a long time, praying most fervently for
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 339
the grace to receive a worthy First Holy
Communion, before starting home. But
when he arrived at Graverolles, he found
the water nearly as high as the bridge and,
thoroughly frightened at last, he hastened
his steps homeward.
In a short time he reached his parents7
house, but it was deserted, as were the
neighboring houses also. By this time the
river had broken through its boundaries in
several places, and now threatened the en-
tire hamlet with destruction. The people
had fled, Peter's parents evidently hoping
to meet him on his way from school, but un-
fortunately this particular evening he had
taken another path. He decided, therefore,
to return to Rigny with all possible speed.
As he passed the chapel, his attention was
attracted by the perpetual light burning
before the Blessed Sacrament. Doubtless
the chaplain was ignorant of the high water
and, moreover, he was not expected to re-
turn before morning. By that time the
chapel would certainly be flooded. What
was to be done? Guided by divine inspi-
ration, Peter, without further reflection, re-
solved to carry the ciborium with him to
Rigny.
340 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
But, alas! the sacristan had put away
the tabernacle key. He searched for it in
the twilight for a long time. Meanwhile the
howling wind and roaring waters waxed
louder. At last, however, the key is found.
The boy hastens to the chapel, up to his
knees in water. Fortunately the chapel is a
few steps higher than the street. He enters.
The flood, rising every minute, presses in
after him. He runs to the tabernacle, opens
it and takes out the ciborium. As he steps
again into the street, he finds himself waist-
deep in water. Vainly he struggles to move
forward. The water is too deep and he can
scarcely stand erect. With great difficulty
he returns to the chapel: he is locked in, a
prisoner with his God. He places the ci-
borium upon the altar and kneels down at
the railing. Suddenly dreadful fear seizes
him: if the flood should rise, he must perish
here alone. But Jesus is here. However,
he cannot receive Him, he must die without
having made his First Holy Communion.
His eyes fill with tears. He prays. . . .
"My God, my God, do not abandon me."
An hour passes in this state of dread. He
prays. . . . But the flood rises and reaches
the communion rail. Peter mounts the
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 341
upper altar step. Another hour passes.
He prays . . . the water is still rising. "My
Jesus, forgive me if I seek refuge near Thee."
He climbs upon the altar. Ever higher and
higher rises the water. A wave sweeps over
the altar table, Peter seizes the ciborium, and
climbs higher upon the projecting shelf and
then upon the tabernacle into the niche
where so often the monstrance had rested.
He presses the sacred vessel close to his
bosom. A thought suggests itself. "If the
water keeps on rising I shall drown; I can't
mount any higher. But might I not give
myself Holy Communion before I die?"
He ventures not to answer this question.
The chill grows more severe, and he
shivers from head to foot. Fever now
makes itself felt. He sits down on the
narrow space which is still untouched by
the water, and leans back against the wall.
His lips still move in prayer, while the
ciborium is closely pressed to his heart. He
feels his strength gradually leaving him,
dullness and sleepiness creep over him and
his head sinks forward upon his breast. The
water rises no higher; it surges about the
tabernacle and the sleeping child — a living
monstrance.
342 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
When morning dawned, a small boat could
be seen carefully plying its way through
Graverolles. It was occupied by two men
and a priest and they row^ed in the di-
rection of the chapel. As they enter the
open door what an amazing spectacle meets
their eyes, the boy white as a ghost, his
head bowed forward, immovable upon the
tabernacle.
"Peter," called the chaplain, but there
was no reply. They rowed up closer and
as they carefully lifted the boy down they
saw the ciborium in his hands. As he was
laid in the boat, he slowly opened his eyes.
"Peter," said the priest, "are you chilled?"
He smiled as he answered, "No." "Peter,
are you hungry?" Again a faint smile, and
"Yes," fell softly from his lips. "Would
you like a little bread and wine?" Faintly
he shook his head. "What do you wish, my
dear child?" With a weak gesture the
little hero pointed to the ciborium. The
priest, deeply moved, looked heavenward,
his eyes glistening with tears.
"Yes, my dear Peter," he said, "yes, you
have deserved your Jesus since you have
rescued Him." Taking a Sacred Host and
saying in a low voice: "Behold the Lamb
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 343
of God," he placed It as Viaticum upon the
boy's tongue. Little Peter smiled gently,
closed his eyes, and began to pray.
"Let us return at once," the priest said to
the two men. "We must row back im-
mediately to Rigny, where his parents are
weeping and mourning his loss."
The boat moved out slowly, gliding
through the ruins. The sun had risen
bright and shed its rays upon the awful
disaster. Some of its first beams played
about the child and he began to move.
Then a slight trembling, a sigh, and Peter's
soul ascended to heaven.1
Reflection
We read in the Old Testament how Elias,
strengthened by material food, walked forty
days and nights to Mount Horeb, the Moun-
tain of God. How much more easily cannot
we, sustained by a divine nutriment, ascend
to the summit of the heavenly Jerusalem?
If the Paschal Lamb by the impress of its
blood on the door-posts of the houses of the
Israelites protected them from the exter-
minating angel, what power should not the
Eucharistic Lamb have to preserve us from
1 Tabernacle and Purgatory, Vol. XI, page 71.
344 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
death? 0 blessed a thousand times be this
ineffable mystery! Who can fail to recog-
nize in the adorable Eucharist the throne of
grace, the fount ainhead of all good?
During this Holy Hour let us draw near
the tabernacle and contemplate Him under
the Eucharistic veils. What annihilation,
what uninterrupted silence! Yet He as-
sures us: "Be not deceived, for the more
I annihilate myself, the more I love you;
the greater My silence, the better I listen
to your every petition; the more I conceal
Myself, the more I discover Myself heart
and soul to you. Verily, 'I sleep, but My
heart watches.' "
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Legenda
IT once happened that St. Bonaventure
was permitted to suffer an extraordinary
anxiety which kept him back from the Holy
Table. The presence of Jesus in the Blessed
Sacrament filled him with fear. He was
consumed with longing to receive Him in
Holy Communion, but the consciousness of
unworthiness held him back. Thus was he
languishing between love and fear, when
the Lord Himself took compassion on his
suffering. As he was one day assisting at
Holy Mass, absorbed in contemplation of
the Passion of Christ, a portion of the Con-
secrated Host which was in the hands of the
priest, placed itself upon his lips. Upon
this he was filled with inexpressible joy; his
anxiety was dispelled; confidence and joy
took possession of his soul, and from that
346 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
time every Communion became to him a
fresh source of joy. 1
Blessed Ida of the Cistercian Order, once
accompanied the Prioress and several sisters
of the community into the country in order
to gather in the harvest. Here she was not
able to communicate so frequently as she
did in her convent. But whenever she
heard the elevation bell, an ardent longing
for the Bread of Life took possession of her.
It happened that a certain very aged woman
who was dying in that neighborhood desired
Viaticum. The nuns were present on this
occasion. Now when the priest placed the
Sacred Host upon the tongue of the dying
woman, it was found that she was unable to
swallow It, and his dismay was great when
obliged to remove It, from her mouth.
This untoward circumstance, which so
troubled the priest, filled the pious sister with
a blessed hope. "0 my Father !" cried she,
"be not troubled! Let me have the body of
my Lord!" Thus the holy maiden received
Holy Communion and was so overcome with
love and joy, that for some time she lay on
the ground rapt out of her senses.2
1 Ott, Eucharisticum, page 217.
2 Les Veilles des adorateurs du S. S.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 347
In the life of St. Thomas Aquinas it is
related that one day a frightful storm raged
around the monastery in which he lived.
Overcome by fear the monks fled into the
cloister to seek a refuge. The angelic Doc-
tor, however, sought refuge before the taber-
nacle of the Eucharist; leaning his venerable
head against the Prison of Love, he awaited
in silence the end of the terrific storm.
Amid the storms of the world and of the
passions, amid calumny, persecutions, and
troubles which may rise up against us, let
us seek refuge with the God of Hosts and
we shall find a shelter and a tower of might
against the furious onslaughts of the enemies
of our soul.
St. Bridget writes: "One day, whilst a
priest was celebrating Mass, I saw how all
the powers of heaven were set in motion;
I heard at the same time a heavenly music
most harmonious. Numberless angels came
down, the chant of whom no human under-
standing can conceive, nor the tongue of
man can describe." 1
On the accession of St. Malachy to the
archiepiscopal See of Armagh, the state of
1 In Chron. aetat. 6, anno 774. De Sacerd. Lib 6, c. 4.
348 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
religion in Ireland was at a very low ebb.
The saint; knowing that without Jesus in
the Blessed Sacrament he could not bring
his people to practice their religion and
lead a God-fearing life, sought in various
ways to bring them to more frequent Com-
munion. He took pains to make the ser-
vice of God as grand and as imposing as
possible, so as to create the greatest pos-
sible reverence for the Holy Sacrament of
the altar. Nor was He less careful for the
welfare of the dead, but prayed incessantly
for the holy souls in purgatory and offered
the Sacrifice of the Mass for their relief.
Now it happened that the archbishop's
sister died. During her life she had often
upbraided him for condescending to visit
personally the poor sick and for this she
received due punishment. For thirty suc-
cessive days St. Malachy offered the Holy
Sacrifice for the repose of her soul. God,
by a special grace, made known to the saint
in a dream the sad condition of his sister,
for at the expiration of the thirtieth day he
thought he heard a pitiful voice and, look-
ing, he saw her, clothed in mourning, stand-
ing under the porch of the church awaiting
her deliverance through his help.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 349
The next morning, therefore, St. Malachy
again offered the Sacred Mysteries for the
relief of his sister. That same night she
appeared to him with a sorrowful counte-
nance for the second time. She had, how-
ever, approached a few steps nearer to the
church. For some days the saint continued
to offer the Mass for his sister with special
devotion, when one day she appeared to
him clothed in a fair white garment. She
now entered the church, but could not ap-
proach the altar. Consoled by this ap-
parition, Malachy continued to offer the
Holy Sacrament for her, until at length she
appeared to him with a radiant countenance,
clothed in a white robe. She was now able
to approach the altar. The saint was given
to understand that his sister came to return
thanks to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament,
before entering into eternal glory.1
A chapel in the diocese of Vannes, France,
was on one occasion destroyed by fire. So
quickly had the flames spread that it was
impossible for anyone to secure the Blessed
Sacrament. When the conflagration was
1 Lives of the Saints, Nov. 3.
350 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
over, however, although the priest found
the tabernacle entirely charred, the ciborium
rested unharmed on the corporal. In spite
of the fact that the veil covering the cibo-
rium was singed, the corporal itself, although
it was made of linen was intact, wrhile the
consecrated Host looked fresh and white.
The account of this miraculous occurrence,
which took place in 1880, may be read in
a paper called "Northburg."1
St. Gregory the Great tells us of a
deceased contemporary near Rome, who
appeared to a holy priest earnestly beg-
ging him for prayers. For a whole wreek
the priest offered up the Sacrifice of the
Mass for the deceased, and thereby knew
by supernatural enlightenment that the
soul had been released through the efficacy
of the Mass. St. Gregory also makes men-
tion of a monk of the monastery of St.
Andrew, who, after a number of Masses had
been offered for him, appeared in the light
of glory and expressed gratitude for his
deliverance.
Louis the Lion had to endure inexpres-
1 Ott: Euch., page 177.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 351
sible torments in purgatory and conjured
his son to obtain relief for him and to aid
him to attain the glories of heaven. His
son immediately forwarded large sums of
money as alms to all the monasteries of his
kingdom with the petition that Holy Masses
should at once be said for the soul of his
father. Soon afterward the deceased ap-
peared and joyfully announced to his son
that he had been delivered.
St. Peter Damien relates the following
occurrence of his time: Pope Benedict
VIII appeared several days after his death
to three Bishops and told them that it had
been made known to him that the mercy of
God would grant him deliverance from
purgatory, if Odilo, the venerable abbot of
Cluny, would make intercession for him.
This communication was taken to the ab-
bot, who at once summoned all his monks
to pray for the deceased Pontiff, and they
began a novena of Masses for the repose of
his soul. Near the close of the novena,
the Pope appeared in a transfigured state,
thanking Odilo for the prayers and Masses.1
1 Manual of Christian Doctrine by Dr. J. Schuster, page
673. Ott: Euch., page 155.
352 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
Reflection
One day as St. Gertrude was meditating
on the great love which makes the Lord
and King of heaven find His delight in the
society of men, our Savior illustrated what
seemed to her so incomprehensible by the
following comparison: The son of a king is
surely much higher and greater than the
children who run about the streets. He has
in his father's palace everything that can
delight and gratify him, yet if you give him
his choice, either to go out and play with
the children on the street or to stay at
home amid the splendor of his father's court,
he will certainly prefer the former. "Thus,
I too," said the Lord, "find my pleasure in
going with you and having instituted the
Blessed Sacrament for this end, anyone who
prevents a soul from receiving Me, deprives
Me of a great pleasure." He also said to
St. Mechtildis, "Look at the bees and see
with what eagerness they seek the honey-
flowers, yet know that my desire to come
to you in Holy Communion is far greater."
He even declared to St. Margaret of Cor-
tona that He would reward her confessor
richly for having advised her to receive
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 353
Holy Communion frequently; and Father
Antonio Torres, as we read in his life,
appeared, shortly after death, in great
splendor, to a certain person, and revealed
to him that God had increased his glory in
heaven in a special manner for having
recommended frequent Communion to his
penitents.
During this Holy Hour let us repeat this
beautiful prayer: "0 most amiable Jesus,
when will you take away my foul heart
from me and bestow upon me your own?
Or when will my heart be filled with the
odor of your virtues, and entirely inflamed
with the love of heavenly things? Ah,
sweetest Jesus, inclose my heart in yours,
that you alone may dwell in it, and possess
it, that by the dignity of Your heart mine
may be enobled and adorned."
t&WtVt&istitt) leading anti Reflection
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Legenda
AFTER the battle of Leibnitz in which
the Salesians lost over 30,000 men,
including their General, Prince Henry, King
Wenceslaus I. of Bohemia conferred the
leadership of the army on Jareslaus, the
valiant knight of Sternburg. With twelve
thousand men he settled down at Olmitz
to defend the capital city.
On the third day the Tartars, who had
been so successful in the past, made their
appearance. Day by day they approached
closer to the city. Attacking first the
Premonstratensian monastery, they ran-
sacked it and burned it to the ground with
terrible carnage. Having massacred the sol-
diers and the inmates of the monastery,
they severed the heads from their bodies
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 355
and tied them to the tails of horses which
they drove within the walls of the city to
intimidate the people. This dastardly and
barbarous act served only to make Jarislaus
and his men more determined to conquer
their brutal enemy. But though his army
pressed him to the conflict, the prudent
warrior deferred action. Regarding such as
a sign of fear, the enemy entertained the
greatest hope of being victorious, and in an-
ticipation of their triumph, gave themselves
up to dissipation and feasting. Jarislaus,
on seeing this, realized that the oppor-
tune time was at hand, but being fully
aware that an undertaking of such a nature
demanded more than valor and intrepid
courage, he considered that his first and
sacred duty was to call upon God for assist-
ance. It was on the 24th of June, the
feast of St. John the Baptist, and Jarislaus
and his officers repaired to the church to
receive the Sacrament of Penance and Holy
Eucharist, the remainder of the army follow-
ing their example. Then the brave leader,
encouraging his men by friendly words and,
reminding them of their sacred duty to their
homes, gave orders that the attack should
be made on the following night.
356 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
As the shades of evening descended, the
soldiers impatiently awaited the signal for
the conflict, but it was not till a little before
daybreak that Jarislaus with his brave men
advanced to the Tartar camp. When near
the city gates all dismounted, and kneeling
on the ground, besought God's blessing on
their undertaking. The valiant Jarislaus
himself vowed, that if through the assist-
ance of the Blessed Mother he was vic-
torious, he would erect a church in her
honor. After reciting a "Hail Mary," the
men took up their arms and advanced in
the name of the Lord.
Although their number was small, it was
with the greatest enthusiasm that they
pressed forward. Jarislaus, not satisfied
with going only in the name of the Lord,
wanted the Lord Himself to lead the army.
He therefore ordered that five particles of
the Sacred Host which had been left over
after the distribution of Holy Communion
on the previous morning should be placed
in a costly receptacle, wilich was carried
before the army by the parish priest seated
on a war charger.
Then the battle began. Baruch, the
leaders of the Tartars, was slain by Jaris-
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 357
laus himself, after which the ranks of the
enemy began to give way, for with the death
of their leader their valor and courage
diminished. As a result, the cities of 01-
mitz and Mehern were saved and the Chris-
tian army delivered from the army of the
Tartar.
As if to show how the victory should be
ascribed primarily to the power of the
Sacred Host, the edges of the five particles
assumed a brilliant red color. Thus did
Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament come to the
aid of His own.1
A publication in Canada called "The
Messenger/' in the year of our Lord 1883,
narrated the following remarkable incident.
A young man almost twenty-five years
of age, suddenly became sick at the place
where he was working. It had been the
custom among the men* employed there to
recite the rosary in common every day and
this particular youth, although a Protes-
tant, did not hesitate to join the others in
their prayers. Now, however, his well-
known voice was missing as hour by hour
he approached his last agony. Realizing
lOtt: Euch., page 193.
358 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
his danger he called for a priest, but his
friends, thinking this was a mere fancy of
the dying man, were reluctant to fulfill his
request. Furthermore the nearest priest was
five miles away, and a heavy snowfall had
made travelling perilous. The sick man,
however, persisted. " Bring me a priest/'
he begged, "I want to become a Catholic
so that I may die a happy death. " Notic-
ing their hesitation, he summoned strength
enough to say: "Why, you Catholics are
wavering. Do you want me to die without
a priest? For God's sake go and bring me
one. I may not live till he comes." Struck
by his earnest words the men immediately
started on their wearisome journey. Five
miles of hard driving through snowdrifts
and embankments, brought them to the
pastor's residence. As soon as the good
priest learned the meaning of their errand
he hurried back with them to the bedside
of the sufferer.
The patient seemed almost in the throes
of death, but revived sufficiently to receive
the necessary instructions. Eagerly he lis-
tened to every word and obeyed every in-
junction of the priest. After his abjuration
when the waters of Baptism had flowed over
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 359
his head, he grew quieter. Then the man
of God, before giving him Holy Communion,
addressed him thus: "Son, this is your
First Holy Communion, and it may be your
last. Ask our divine Lord now for two
favors, either that you may die a blessed
death or that you may be spared to your
family if it is His Holy Will." Fervently
did the poor sufferer receive his Lord, so
much so that the priest testified he had
never seen such faith and such reverence.
A moment after receiving the Holy Viati-
cum, he opened his eyes and in an earnest
voice cried out: "I am healed," and to the
astonishment of all gathered around the
bedside, he arose and united with them in
a prayer of thanksgiving.
The miracle was not without its own
results. Not only was the sick man com-
pletely restored to health, but the resto-
ration caused the conversion of a man who
had long been living the life of a tepid luke-
warm Catholic. Immediately after the mir-
acle he acknowledged before all: "This
wonderful occurrence was necessary to rouse
me from my indifference. It has brought
me good luck. Back to the Catholic Church
I go to-day."
360 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
"The following morning after prayer and
breakfast/' writes the priest, "I gave the
young man further instructions. He is now
with his family and his good example is the
means of gaining souls for heaven. " 1
"One day/' says St. Liguori, "Jesus
Christ will sit on a throne of majesty in the
valley of Jehosaphat, but here in the Most
Holy Sacrament, He sits on a throne of
love. He is a most loving and generous
friend to us in this valley of tears. We can
converse with Him, we can open our hearts
to Him, we can ask for graces, we can treat
with Him on the interests of our soul in the
strictest confidence and in the greatest
intimacy."
"In our churches the Lord dwells with
His angels, who are going continually from
us to Him, and returning from Him to us.
Here are truly the House of God and the
Gate of Heaven, for the God of Abraham
here shows Himself to His servants and
encourages, strengthens, and blesses them.
"Christian churches, sanctuaries of the
adorable Eucharist, abode of the happiness
1 Messenger of the Sacred Heart, 1883, page 449.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 361
of the faithful soul, how is it possible to
express your greatness, and your titles to
our affection. Does not the Son of God
come down from heaven and become in-
carnate there in the hands of the priest?
Does He not there renew His birth, His
life, His death and His burial? Yes, we
possess truly in our sanctuaries the divine
Child, the teacher of nations, the Lamb
sacrificed for the redemption of the world,
and there He instructs us, feeds us with
Himself, and continues to shed His blood
for us. 'I have chosen and have sanctified
this place that My name may be there
forever, and My eyes and My heart may
remain there perpetually.' "
Reflection
The Blessed Sacrament is truly the re-
membrance of the wonderful works of God.
Although at the moment of consecration the
substance of the bread is completely changed,
yet, everything seems to remain unchanged,
that is to say, the appearance of bread is
there without that which in other circum-
stances is necessary to sustain it — namely
the bread itself.
What a great, what a mighty miracle is
362 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
this, a miracle that stands alone. We must
consider that ordinarily when a substance is
changed, something is always changed in
its appearance. From the outward appear-
ance we recognize that a change has taken
place in the thing itself. Here in the
Blessed Sacrament, however, though it is no
longer bread, the appearance remains the
same. Further, this unique miracle does not
take place now and then, or in certain places :
it exists everywhere from the rising of the
sun to the going down thereof, even to the
end of the world. Our Lord in His love for
us is not satisfied with exerting the fullness
of His power upon His creatures; His love
urges Him to the extreme limit of possi-
bility. Truly, God has in this Sacrament
left us a memento of His wonderful works.
%Wtv*nint§ l&eabfng and Inflection
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Legenda
IN the year 1668, on the Saturday within
the octave of Corpus Christi, a wonder-
ful phenomenon occurred in a church at
Ulm, Germany. Just as the priest was
chanting the words, "Verbum caro, panem
verum," in adoration of the divine Sacra-
ment, the figure of a person appeared in
the monstrance. This miraculous occur-
rence lasted more than a quarter of an
hour, not only over the tabernacle where
the Blessed Sacrament was exposed, but
also when the priest removed the mon-
strance to the altar table the apparition con-
tinued. A white silvery cloud enveloped
the monstrance previous to the vanishing
of the figure, after which the Host appeared
as usual.
364 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
The Bishop of Ange, Rt. Rev. Henry
Arnauld, published a pastoral letter on this
supernatural incident which is preserved in
the archives of the cathedral.1
In the year 1885 a remarkable cure
was effected in a small village in France
through the power of the Blessed Sacra-
ment.
It was on the eve of Corpus Christi.
Throughout the village young and old
were striving with each other to make
the various altars bowers of beauty. The
whole city was astir with preparation,
and over it all hovered a spirit of holy
joy.
One house, however, the finest in the
town, contributed nothing to the general
excitement, for sorrow and grief reigned
within its walls. A child of scarce twelve
summers, the pride and hope of its parents,
lay prostrate from a malady for which the
doctors knew no remedy. It was the child
of Count C.
1 Tabernakelwacht, 1903. Ulms dio. Angers, 1868.
Pastoral Letter dated June 25, 1668, by Bishop Henry
Arnauld.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 365
As evening fell on the eve of the great
feast the church bells rang forth their joy-
ous peals, and brought their message to
the slumbering child. "Mother," he said
drowsily, "why are the bells ringing?"
"Those are the church bells, my child,"
she answered, "ringing in Corpus Christi,
to-morrow's feast." "Ah, the feast of Cor-
pus Christi," he murmured, "how beautiful.
Do you remember, mother, last year you
gave me permission to join the procession?
It was the day after my First Holy Com-
munion. I was well and happy then, but
now — "
There was a pause as the child recalled
each detail of that joyous day. Then, as
a new thought came into his mind, he
turned to his father and said pleadingly:
"Papa, won't you take me to the window
to-morrow, so that I can see the procession?"
"Yes, my child, I will," answered he, "but
now it is better for you to rest. Try to
go to sleep again." "Ah," continued the
child, as if he were musing to himself, "God
can cure me if he wishes; I am going to ask
Him to-morrow!"
With these words he fell back again on
his pillow, quite exhausted. As soon as he
366 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
was once more resting quietly the count
addressed his wife, saying: "I have the
fullest confidence in God that our boy will
be cured. Let us build an altar before our
home/' and so it was done.
The next day dawned bright and glorious.
Fleecy clouds dotted the heavens and the
sun brightened every dark corner with its
brilliant rays. The village seemed a veri-
table fairyland. Here and there the streets
were carpeted with flowers, and music's
soft melody dispelled all sadness.
At four o'clock in the afternoon the
procession started on its course and within
a short time turned into the street fronting
the count's residence. There shone the
altar sparkling with gold and agleam with
lights and above all blazed an inscription:
"Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me
whole." The sick child rested in an arm-
chair, supported by his parents. Tears
filled their eyes as they saw the procession
in the distance and noticed the faces of the
children beaming with joy. But the father,
a man of faith, though heart-sore and
troubled on account of the boy, cast his
care aside for the moment and with lighted
torches went with his servants to meet our
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 367
divine Lord. The sick boy dressed in his
First Communion suit, and with his rosary
twisted around his fingers, wistfully watched
every movement. The procession drew
nearer and nearer until the priest's voice
could be heard at the altar below. "O
Sacred Host, who has opened for us the
portals of heaven, give us strength. Come
to our aid." In feeble accents the child
tried to join in the singing and then, making
a supreme effort, fell on his knees crying
out: "0 Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst
make me whole."
As the priest passed, he gave the child
a special blessing with the monstrance, to
the great comfort of his parents. The pro-
cession continued on its way, and the boy
was brought back to bed. " Father," whis-
pered he, as the strong man lifted him to
his pillows, "the good God has heard my
prayer, I feel that I am getting better."
And so it really was. The house where
sorrow and sadness had reigned was now
filled with joy. Borne on the air came the
sweet strains of "Holy God, we praise Thy
Name," as the procession wended its way
back to the church, and parents and son
joined in the glad chant. From that mo-
368 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
ment the child became convalescent. To
commemorate the miraculous event, the
grateful parent on the next Corpus Christi
erected another altar, but this time it bore
the consoling inscription: "And Jesus gave
him to his mother." 1
In the writings of St. Angela Foligno, we
read how wonderfully she was favored by
God, in beholding our Blessed Lord in the
Sacrament of His Love. Cardinal Bonelli
and Pope Benedict XIV vouch for the au-
thenticity of this fact.
"One time/' she writes, "I saw the Lord
in a consecrated Host in the shape of a
child. He seemed to be a royal personage,
carrying a scepter in His little hand. All
this I noticed with my own eyes. Those
who were present bowed low in adoration,
but I simply looked and admired the holy
countenance, full of majesty and kindness.
I would have continued to gaze upon it for
a long time, did not the priest place the
Sacred Host in the tabernacle. I was
overjoyed at the apparition, and felt per-
fectly confident that what I saw was real.
1 Tabernakelwacht, 1897.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 369
The impression it made on me can never
be effaced from my memory.
"On another occasion during the Holy
Sacrifice of the Mass I thus lovingly ad-
dressed our Lord: 'My God, You are really
and truly here in the blessed Sacrament,
but tell me, where are Your friends?'
An interior voice straightway answered:
' Wherever I am, there are my friends.'
"Jesus Christ has often manifested Him-
self to my soul under different shapes and
forms. Sometimes He has appeared to me
in a brilliant form, with rays of light ema-
nating from all parts of His sacred Body
like the splendor of the mid-day sun. I
am totally unable to describe it. My heart
was so filled with heavenly joy and bliss
that words fail to express my delight." 1
The saints by often receiving their Savior
were blessed with such a longing to possess
Him that they actually suffered until that
longing was satisfied. St. Teresa's desire
for Holy Communion was so great that she
used to say, that neither force nor sorrow
1 Andacht 3. HI. Eucharistie by Huguet. Visions and
Instructions, page 340.
370 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
could deter her from receiving her divine
Lord. St. Mary Magdalen of Pazzi used to
go to that part of the communion railing
where the priest came first to distribute the
Blessed Sacrament, in order to receive our
Lord as quickly as possible. St. Philip
Neri was often unable to sleep at night, on
account of his desire to receive Holy Com-
munion. One night as Father Galonio was
about to give him Holy Communion, he
held the Sacred Host in his hand for some
time. At last St. Philip, unable to endure
the delay any longer, cried out: " Antonio,
why do you hold my Lord in your hand so
long? Why do you not give Him to me?
Why, why, give Him to me; give Him to
me." It is also related that this saint,
when taking the Precious Blood at Mass,
used to press his lips to the chalice with
such affection that it seemed as if he could
not tear himself away from it. He thus
gradually wore off the gilding on the rim of
the chalice. But still more remarkable is
that which is related of St. Alphonsus.
Once, on Good Friday, being unable to
receive Holy Communion, his affliction was
so great that a violent fever came upon
him and his life was endangered. The
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 371
doctor came and bled him, but there was
no improvement until the next day, when
the saint learned that he could receive his
Savior. On receiving this joyful news the
fever immediately left him.1
Reflection
"Son, give me thy heart," says Jesus in
the tabernacle to every soul, "this is all the
return I ask for bequeathing thee my legacy
of love. I have given thee My body and
blood, My soul and divinity, and wilt Thou
not give Me thy heart? I ask nothing but
what is in thy power to bestow; but I am
a jealous lover, and if thou desirest to make
Me an agreeable offering, thou must present
Me a heart pure, undivided, and entirely
detached from all created things."
"My Savior, sprinkle me with Thy Pre-
cious Blood, and lead me in the way of Thy
Passion, and keep me beneath the shadow
of Thy cross, that I may come near Thy
altar seeking Thee."
"My heart is ready, 0 Lord, my heart is
ready."
^tt: Euch., page 355.
jFocttetS Keatung ana Eeflectton
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Historical
IN the diary of an old soldier we read an
interesting account of how the Blessed
Sacrament brought about his conversion.
The Venerable Mary Joseph Geramb, a
member of the Trappist Order, had been
ex-General Baron Geramb to his Majesty
the King of Austria.
"Napoleon the First, surnamed the
1 Scourge of God/ he writes, "on one oc-
casion advanced towards the capital city
of Turin, which had been evacuated at his
approach by the reigning monarch. The
following day I also left the city with those
under my command. We were on the
march all night. At daybreak, while con-
ferring with my officers, I heard the tin-
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 373
kling of a little bell, and looking in that
direction noticed several persons walk in
procession. Approaching the little group
I learned that a venerable old priest was
carrying the Blessed Sacrament. 'My
God/ I exclaimed, 'It is Jesus.' My feel-
ings at this moment can hardly be described.
I realized that here was the God whom I
had so long neglected and forgotten, seek-
ing me out as it were on a public highway.
This is Jesus whose sacred name I had been
taught at my mother's knee, He whom I
had so often invoked during the days of my
youth. Without a moment's hesitation, I
threw myself on my knees to adore my
Savior, the Almighty God. Then I whis-
pered to the priest, ' Father, I pray you,
permit me to be your escort. Let me
accompany our Blessed Lord by ordering
my soldiers to honor Jesus, the King of
Kings.'
"The venerable priest agreed and escorted
the Blessed Sacrament reverently through
the village. I took the position of honor
next to my Savior, who had showered so
many benefits upon me in spite of the way
I abused his kindness. What thoughts
searched through my memory then! How
374 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
fleeting seemed the happy days of my child-
hood. In those far-off days Jesus was the
only object of my love, the written story
of His life my most precious possession, the
repetition of His Holy Name my chief
delight, the sight of His afflicted creatures
the best recollection of His own dreadful
Passion. My First Communion Day came
vividly before my mind and I saw myself
again approaching the altar with lighted
candle to receive the Holy of Holies into my
heart. But alas, those happy days had
faded like a dream. A salutary fear began
to come over me and instinctively I began
to examine my previous life. What had
become of my innocence and happiness?
What had served to desecrate the exquisite
work which God had made after His own
image and likeness? How much had I
left undone and how great the work still to
do. What would become of me? Little
wonder that my eyes filled with tears.
"In solemn silence we moved forward,
only the tramping of the horses and the call
of the bugles sounding upon the morning
air. In a short time we entered a small
but neat home where a venerable old man
was lying on a bed surrounded by his
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 375
household. He was an army officer and
had gained distinction for his valor and
bravery.
"'My dear son/ began the priest, 'al-
though the good Lord has come to you
to-day with a military escort He has not
come as the Lord of battle but as the Lord
of peace. Consign yourself to the arms of
His mercy, offer Him your trophies of
victories won, your pains and trials, and
telling Him that your only hope is the
cross. Say to Him, "I put my life into
your hands, 0 Lord; do with me what
Thou wilt. If You decide to give me a
few days more in this vale of tears, I am
most willing to consecrate them entirely to
You to atone for my past negligence and
indifference.'
"The sick man then received our Blessed
Lord, the God of peace and love. After his
thanksgiving was over the dying soldier sat
up in his bed and raising his eyes toward
heaven, said in a faltering voice: ' Gentlemen,
at a moment when passion has subsided and
earthly fame and glory have dwindled to
naught, it is then a man feels that every-
thing outside of loving and serving God is
vanity and nothing but vanity. It was the
376 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
serving of his king more than he had served
his God that made the Marshal of Luxem-
burg cry out on his death-bed these repent-
ant words: "In lieu of the glory of all my
victories; for these are of no avail before the
judgment seat of the Almighty, I would
rather have the merit of having given in the
name of Jesus a glass of cold water to one
of His poor." ?
"The dying man ceased speaking, but
the impression caused by his words has
never since left my soul. A dreadful fear
came over me, and in fancy I seemed to
foresee my eternal doom. That night when
I retired the ghastly figure of death ap-
peared before me: I heard his steps and
saw him bend over me, and by the light of
the torch looked into my face. I felt his
icy grasp, and almost swooned away at the
thought of his nearness. I even imagined
myself cast into the fire which is kindled by
the wrath of the just God with the awful
inscription upon my brow 'No hope/ Satan
seemed to hiss at me, 'Forever shall you
burn/ and the fearful words seemed to re-
echo through those dread confines of hell.
Half dazed and sore distressed I raised my
hands in suppliant attitude toward heaven
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 377
and prayed as I had never prayed before:
'Is it true that through my own foolishness
I have lost my God? — Shall I never see
Him, never gaze upon the One whom I
would fain call Father? Shall I never be-
hold the sweet face of Mary, Queen of
heaven, and my Mother? Am I to be
deprived forever of the sight of the counte-
nance of her Blessed Son who had been so
indulgent to me?' Sobs choked further
utterance, but then came the thought that
my time had not yet passed. In this vale
of tears, there was One who was 'The Good
Shepherd/ One who walked the weary
wine-press to rescue the downtrodden, One
who takes you up in His loving arms and
presses you to His bosom, and that One is
God.
"Yes, though all others were to forget
me, even to despise and malign me, He
would not. The voice of the best of Fathers
was ringing in my ears. The heart of Jesus
was open to me to assuage my sorrow, and
His Blood ready to blot out my iniquities.
I was determined to belong to Him forever,
and filled with this resolution I prayed thus:
'0 Jesus, beloved of my soul, may my right
hand wither away if I forget You, may my
378 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
tongue cleave to my mouth if for an instant
I prove untrue to my love.'" 1
Father Hunolt of the Society of Jesus
relates that two students were once dis-
coursing about the hour of their death.
They agreed that if God would allow it, he
who should die first should appear to the
other, telling him how he fared in the other
world. Shortly afterwards one of the two
died and appeared soon after to his fellow-
student, shining bright with heavenly glory.
In answer to the inquiries of his friend he
said that by the mercy of God he was saved
and in the possession of the bliss of heaven.
The other congratulated him on his felicity,
and asked him how he merited such un-
speakable glory. "Chiefly," replied the
happy soul, "by the care with which I en-
deavored to receive Holy Communion with
a pure heart." At these words the spirit
disappeared, leaving in his surviving friend
feelings of great consolation and an ardent
zeal to imitate his devotion.
"And even in our own days," says a pro-
found thinker of our age, "in these times of
1 Eichsfeld Volksblatt, No. 18, 1884.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 379
persecution no less cruel, when the world
has, as tyrants then had, its satellites, its
amphitheatres, and its wild beasts, if you,
men of the world, could interrogate all those
Christians whose lives astonish you, because
they seem to you so courageous and so diffi-
cult, in the midst of the scandals of the
day, the agitation of business and the se-
ductions of the world; or if, penetrating into
these abodes where the heroic devotion of a
weak and delicate sex seems a daily miracle,
you were to ask those pious women what it
was that thus kept up their undying love,
what gave them that pity that made them
compassionate every misfortune, and that
courage which no rebuffs could dishearten —
well, on all sides from the lips of the true
faithful, the fervent Christian, from all the
saints of the Church you will receive this
one answer: 'All courage, all strength, all
charity, all consolation, all life, all happiness
is given to us in the Holy Communion.
The hour that we spend in the morning at
the foot of the altar — that heavenly mo-
ment, when the bread of angels is given to
us — gives us strength for the whole day;
and when we can only commune by desire,
the days on which we are deprived of this
380 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
angelic food seem to us, it is true, hard to
bear; but the simple desire in itself sustains,
fortifies, and encourages us. Yes, the
Blessed Sacrament of itself would make
us able to bear much more, for it is there
we find the sacred fire that consumed the
martyrs, and which can make lions of weak
men." (M. l'Abbe Gerbet.)
Reflection
" Behold, I am with you all days/' Jesus
says to us, "even to the consummation of
the world. In the Holy Eucharist, I said to
my apostles, and through them to all my
children, 'I go away and come to you again;
I will not leave you orphans, I will come to
you.' 'I fulfill my promise by remaining
with you in this Mystery of Love.' 'This
is My resting place forever and here will
I dwell, for I have chosen it.' I have
chosen and sanctified this place that My
name may be here forever and My heart
may remain there perpetually. In this way
I am with you at all times, and I will con-
tinue to be with you to the end of ages. By
day and by night, in riches and in poverty,
in prosperity and in tribulation, behold, I
am with you. My delight is to be with
p '
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 381
you, and I am with you in such a manner
that at all times you can have access to Me,
at every moment you may enjoy My sweet
company. I sit on the altar as on a throne,
to which My subjects can always approach
with the fullest confidence of being heard.
What a consolation, faithful soul, to re-
member that your God is always with you.
1 Truly there is no nation so great that hath
its gods approaching it as your God is with
you.' As I am with you, therefore, all days,
will you not be all days of your life with
Me in the Sacrament of My Love? When
you cannot visit the temples where I reside,
visit Me at least in spirit. Amid the trials
of life, even should the whole world forsake
you, remember that I am with you, that
there still remains One loving heart into
which you can pour all your sorrows with
the certainty of receiving sympathy.
aO most Holy Jesus, give me an upright
and a just heart, that I may love Thee, the
King of Jerusalem, and wait for Thy coming,
and feed upon the Bread of God."
jfotMttsrt Eeaamff ana l&etlectton
THE REAL PRESENCE AS THE PHYSICIAN OF
SOULS
'HE truth of the following incident is
A attested by an eyewitness in such a
way as to leave no room for doubt.
In Louisville, Kentucky, in the year 1885,
it happened that a certain N. N. came to
the monastery door and requested an inter-
view with the pastor. The Brother-porter,
recognizing the visitor, had some hesitation
about allowing him to enter, since he dis-
covered that he was a fallen-away Catholic,
who for at least eighteen years had not seen
the inside of a church and was notorious
for his open hostility to religion. Doubtful,
therefore, what might be the outcome of
the visit, he stationed himself outside the
door ready to give assistance if needed.
Legenda
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 383
His fears, however, were groundless. Not
only did the conversation sound very
subdued, but at times it seemed confi-
dential. A few hours after, the astonished
brother saw pastor and visitor leisurely
wending their way to the dining room
for refreshments. Evidently, no harsh
words had been spoken on either side,
and when the man left the monastery his
countenance bore a happier look than it
had for years.
What was the meaning of the unex-
pected visit and reason of Mr. N's apparent
change of sentiments of heart towards the
monastery and all things holy? It meant
simply another complete submission to the
Church, another glorious reconciliation with
God.
Mr. N. N. had a twelve year old son who
was as pure and innocent as an angel. The
boy had been preparing to receive his First
Holy Communion which was to take place
the following Sunday. Having made his
confession, he felt so happy in anticipation
of the eventful day that he gladdened the
heart of every one at home. His father,
despite his antagonism to religion, could
not help sharing in the boy's happiness, and
384 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
so after dinner he thus addressed his son:
"Ask any favor you wish from me to-day,
my boy, no matter how costly it is, it shall
be granted."
For a few minutes the child considered
the offer, and then with an ingenious smile
upon his little face said: " Father, the most
precious boon you can confer on me is to
return to your God and mine, and receive
Holy Communion with me to-morrow.' '
Words cannot describe the effect of this
request upon the man who for years had
neglected his religion and turned a deaf
ear to the call of God. The strong
man's heart was touched at the simple
words of the child. Overcome by his feel-
ings he left the house and going to the
monastery made his peace with God. The
next day the innocent child had the
extreme happiness of seeing his repentant
father partaking of the Divine Banquet
to which he was admitted for the first
time.
From that time on Mr. N. N. was num-
bered among the most fervent and exem-
plary Catholics of the parish despite the
taunts of his former associates. Thus had
our divine Lord in the Blessed Sacrament
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 385
again poured out His saving grace on the
callous heart of a fallen-away Catholic.1
A singular account, confirmed by a priest
of one of the Western States, was published
in the "Leo Magazine " of 1882. This Rev-
erend Father, noted for his whole-souled
generosity and charity, died but a few years
ago.
It happened that one day a tattered and
disreputable looking boy-tramp stopped at
the rectory and begged for bread. The poor
boy looked so wan and sick that the heart
of the good priest was touched. Not only
did he order a warm meal to be given to the
little vagrant, but he assigned him a room
in his own house and nursed him with the
greatest care. It developed after a few
days that the child's malady had grown
very serious. In addition to his critical
condition the wounds of his soul also de-
manded immediate attention. The Father,
with the exercise of much patience, finally
succeeded in preparing him for confession
and communion. Gladly did the little fel-
low look forward to that joyous day. It
dawned at last, and sick as he was, his
1 Sendbote d. goetl. Hrz. Jesu, No. 7, 1885.
386 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
eyes refused to stay closed after the first
glimmer of daylight. Neatly dressed school
children, carrying lighted candles, accom-
panied the priest to the little room where
the waif lay dying. It was a pathetic scene
as the priest and the children grouped
themselves around the bed preparatory
to the sick child's receiving the Holy
Viaticum. With wondering eyes, he gazed
at his Lord, then the little tongue was
purpled with the saving Blood and the
happy boy clasped his hands over his
heart.
A few days after he passed to the land
where all sorrow ceases.
Months passed by, and the priest had
to attend a sick call far from his home.
Winter had thrown its billows of snow in
great heaps over the fields and highways,
but the good priest did not hesitate making
the toilsome journey, especially since a
soul's salvation was in question. After he
had administered the Sacraments to the
dying person he turned homeward, refusing
all offers of assistance. The night was
beautiful, the snow-covered earth reflecting
on every side the brilliancy of the stars.
Suddenly, however, as he proceeded the
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 387
priest began to realize that he had lost his
way. The road had disappeared in the
drifts and there was no possibility of locat-
ing himself. The priest struggled forward.
But what is it that drags him down? Then
the full realization of his difficulty began to
dawn upon him : — he had fallen into a
marshy swamp. The more he endeavored
to extricate himself, the deeper he sank into
its miry depths. As there seemed no loop-
hole of escape, and no chance of any human
power coming to his aid, he directed his
mind in one swift thought to heaven and
recommended his soul to God. Hardly
had he uttered the prayer when a figure,
surrounded by a brilliant light, appeared to
his view. The apparition advanced, took
the priest by the hand, and extricating him
from the morass, conducted him to the right
road. Then, as suddenly as it came, the
figure vanished from his sight. The good
priest positively affirmed that he believed
it was no other than the little boy-tramp
who came back to rescue the one who had
given him his First Communion.1
1 Leo, No. 9, 1892.
388 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
In the life of St. Hugo, Surius relates
that a priest of a certain village in England,
on breaking the Sacred Host one day at
Mass, saw blood issuing from it. Filled
with reverential awe, he determined to lead
a holier life in the future, and following out
his resolution soon became renowned for his
sanctity. St. Hugo happened to stop at
this village one day. The priest related
this miracle to him and offered in proof to
show him the cloths stained wTith the mi-
raculous blood. The holy Bishop, however,
refused to look at them, and would not
even allow his attendants to do so, saying
that such wonders and sensible proofs were
only for those who did not believe. And
when he noticed in some of his attendants a
desire to see them, he reprimanded them
sharply, saying that this desire proceeded
from curiosity rather than piety and that
it was more perfect to believe without see-
ing according to our Lord's own words,
" Blessed are they that have not seen and
yet believe/ ' 1
1 Kirchenlexicon, Kessel.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 389
Reflection
Why does our Lord hide Himself under
the outward appearances of bread and wine?
Why does He not manifest Himself under
the sensible qualities of His body, with His
wounded hands, His merciful countenance,
His radiant majesty? Our Lord does so
that we may not lose the merit of faith.
Were we to see Jesus Christ as he is seen by
the blessed in heaven, we could no longer
make an act of faith in His Real Presence,
for 1 faith is the belief in the things we do
not see.' Now our Lord wishes to bestow
on us, after this life, a great reward for our
faith, as He Himself has said: " Blessed are
they that do not see and yet believe. "
Many of the saints, in order not to lose the
merit of their faith, have gone so far as to
beg our Lord not to favor them with those
consoling manifestations of Himself in the
Blessed Sacrament which He sometimes
granted to His chosen ones.
From His Prison of Love Jesus speaks to
us in this manner: "I am truly a hidden
God in this Sacrament of my Love. All
the splendor of My divinity is concealed,
and although in my humanity I am beauti-
ful above the sons of men, all this beauty is
390 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
obscured by the veils which My Love for
thee has drawn around it. It seems to be
without life, or color, or shape, or motion.
Yet such was my desire to be united to thee
that I almost annihilated Myself. Do thou
learn from hence to humble thyself as
nothing in My sight. In this consists true
glory and solid peace."
"Hidden God, devoutly I adore Thee,
Truly present underneath these veils;
All my heart subdues itself before Thee,
Since before Thee all faints and fails.' 1
jfott^&econd i&eatifng ana Wittlettton
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Legenda
IN the year 1862 a Tyrolese mountain-
climber wended his way down the jut-
ting crags of his beloved country. He had
chosen a perilous road, for being used to
feats of daring, he gloried in traversing
peaks that were unscalable to others. Soon
he arrived at a narrow mountain pass, and
with a swift gliding movement hid himself
behind a clump of scraggly shrubs close to
the road. The spot had evidently been
selected for the purpose. A huntsman of
no mean repute, and a plunderer by repu-
tation, he was accustomed to absent himself
from his associates for days and weeks. No
mountain was too high for him to climb, no
cliff too steep to scale, when in pursuit of
an Alpine goat. But other thoughts en-
392 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
gaged him to-night, for his mind was set
upon murder.
Avarice had gotten the better of him, and
to accomplish his designs he was ready to
commit a dastardly act. A rich merchant
by the name of Andrew was to tread this
mountain pass to-night on his way to the
city of Salzburg, having in his wallet an
enormous sum of money. This, then, was
the reason for Anthony's stealthy trip.
For hours he lay in wait for his victim.
The night was already far spent, and the
dawn about to break. "What delays him?"
thought Anthony. "He must come this
way; there is no other passage." And again
he crouched beneath the bushes.
Suddenly he heard footsteps. He reached
for his gun, but as he did so violent trem-
bling overcame him. What sound is that,
which the night wind carries to his ears?
Can it be the faint tinkling of a bell? A
cold perspiration exudes from his forehead
as he discerned two figures approaching.
"0 Jesus and Mary," he said half aloud, "it
is a priest accompanied by his sexton, carry-
ing the Blessed Sacrament to the dying."
As the holy man with his sacred burden
drew nearer, Anthony cried out: "Jesus,
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 393
have mercy. " Then he rushed from his
hiding place, and threw himself at the feet
of God's minister. Confessing his crime
with sentiments of sorrow and contrition,
he received absolution from that conse-
crated hand. Then, with heavenly peace
imprinted on his countenance, he begged to
accompany the priest to the bedside of the
dying man. On the road they met Andrew,
whom God had saved in a wonderful way
from a terrible fate.
Anthony, now converted from his evil ways,
became an exemplary Christian. Some years
later he was in the front line of battle, fight-
ing for his country against the Italian in-
vader Garibaldi, when an enemy's bullet
soon laid him low, and he died the death of
a hero. When his effects at home were
examined a small package was found bear-
ing these words: "For God's sake do not
open this till after my death." The cord
binding it was cut and there were found two
letters, one for Andrew, the merchant, in
which there was an acknowledgment of
the dead man's dire purpose that dreadful
night long ago, — the other for the parish
priest, asking for a memento in his prayers.
This narrative, founded on fact, shows
394 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
the exceeding power of the Blessed Sacra-
ment, and the infinite mercy of the Sacred
Heart in the Holy Eucharist.1
• •
A European magazine published under
the title of " God's Holy Presence/' in 1884,
makes mention of the following:
"It is indeed a sad state of affairs to see
how many Christians are devoid of all de-
votion and reverence during the Holy Sac-
rifice of the Mass. Their behavior proves
how small is their faith in the presence of
our God on our altar. Many of these so-
called followers of Christ are often put to
shame by unbelievers, who, on entering a
Catholic Church, feel the nearness of the
Almighty, and in deep humility prostrate
themselves to adore the hidden God. For
proof of this we give an account of a Turk's
conversion.
"As a member of a delegation sent by the
Sultan to a prince of the West, I had occa-
sion to spend some time in Rome. On one
of my rambles through the city I chanced to
come across St. Peter's, and to pass away
the time more than anything else I entered
lEichsfeld Volksblatt, No. 7, 1883.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 395
the grand edifice. For the first time in my
life I witnessed the celebration of the Mass,
and regarded it as a very spectacular drama
enacted by the priest. In fact, the whole
was not to my liking. However, as the
Mass progressed an indescribable feeling
came over me, and I remained immovable,
riveting my eyes on the altar as if by a
strange sort of fascination. Was it perhaps
the influence of the devout people around
me? Soon after I heard the sound of a little
bell. A breathless silence ensued. Even
those who seemed distracted sank on their
knees bowing reverently struck their breasts.
The words of Scripture rushed suddenly to
my mind.
"'Take off thy shoes, for the spot upon
which thou standest is holy/ and, to my
amazement, the next moment I was on my
knees, bowing low in adoration. What was
it that affected me so forcibly at that in-
stant? No bewitching melody, for there
was no singing; nor the forcible words of
an eloquent preacher, for the stillness was
oppressive, broken only by the tinkling of
a little bell. 'What was it that spoke to
me?' was the question I addressed to a
Catholic priest the next day.
396 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
"'It was the Presence of God, my son/
answered the good Father. 'God Himself,
although hidden to your eyes, was present
on the altar. He spoke to you although you
heard not His voice. He addressed your
understanding and your heart. He invited
you to open your eyes and reflect. A mar-
velous and sublime wonder was enacted on
the altar, and by the eyes of faith you
saw it.'
"In the depths of my soul I realized the
truth of these words but my stubborn will
refused to submit. Finally however, grace
conquered my hardened heart and I had the
inexpressible happiness of joining the mil-
lions of Catholics in adoring the hidden
God.
"How is it possible that anyone can assist
at Holy Mass without devotion, or by his
conduct distract and scandalize others, when
he believes that God Almighty is present on
the altar. "
The Blessed Nicholas Fattori, a Francis-
can Friar remarkable for his piety and
purity of heart, often saw Jesus Christ in
the consecrated Host in the form of m
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 397
infant. On touching the Blessed Sacra-
ment, he seemed to feel not the mere Eu-
charistic species, but the very flesh of Jesus
Christ our Lord and sovereign Good. On
this account he used to present his fingers
to those who wished to kiss his hand, say-
ing: "Kiss these fingers with great respect,
for they are sanctified by the real contact
with Jesus Christ. " It is also related that
when this holy man was in the presence of
the Blessed Sacrament he used to rejoice
as a child in the presence of its mother.1
Goerres, in his celebrated work entitled,
"Christian Mysticism," states that there
have been many holy persons, who have
had a supernatural instinct by which they
were sensible of the Presence of Jesus Christ
in the Blessed Sacrament even when it was
hidden and at a distance from them.
Blessed Ida of Louvain was always sen-
sible to the presence of our Lord at the pre-
cise moment of consecration. Once when
the server at Mass had by mistake given the
priest water instead of wine, so that there
was no consecration, St. Coleta, though
1 Eichsfeld Volksblatt, No. 4, 1884.
398 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
kneeling at a distance, perceived it by a
supernatural instinct.
The Cistercian Juliana always knew when
the Blessed Sacrament was moved from St.
Martin's church at the close of the service,
and each time she was overwhelmed with
sadness. This fact was frequently wit-
nessed by her friend Eva. One day the
Franciscans of Villonda invited the holy
Carmelite Cassetus to visit them, and to
try him they took the Blessed Sacrament
out of the tabernacle in which it was usually
kept and placed it elsewhere. They put no
light before it, but left the lamp burning
as usual before the customary altar. On
entering the church, the companion of
Cassetus turned towards the high altar,
but Cassetus immediately pointed out the
spot where the Blessed Sacrament had been
placed, saying: "The Body of our Lord is
there, and not where the lamp is burning.
The brother whom you see behind the
curtain has placed it there in order to
try us."
St. Francis Borgia had the same gift, and
on entering a church, he walked straight
to the spot where the Blessed Sacrament
was kept, even when no external sign
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 399
j indicated its presence. In 1839 Prince
Licknowsky visited Mary Moerl, the cele-
brated Tyrolese Virgin, upon whom God
had bestowed so many miraculous gifts.
While she was kneeling in ecstasy on her
bed he observed that she moved around
towards the window. Neither he nor any
of those present could tell the cause of it.
At last, on looking out, they saw a priest
passing by with the Viaticum, without a
bell or chant, or any sound that could give
notice of his approach.1
Reflection
It was love, and love alone, which in-
duced Jesus our Redeemer to remain among
us in the Blessed Sacrament. O Jesus,
most sweet Jesus, hidden under the Sacra-
mental Species, give me such love and hu-
mility that I may be able lovingly to speak
of this invention of boundless love, that all
who hear it may begin to love Thee in reality.
I Praised forever be Jesus in the adorable
Sacrament of the Altar.
"I have loved, 0 Lord, the beauty of Thy
house; and the place where Thy glory
dwelleth."
1 Heiligen Lexicon Bd. III.
400 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
"How lovely are Thy tabernacles, 0 Lord
of hosts! My soul longeth and fainteth for
the courts of the Lord."
" Blessed are they that dwell in Thy house,
0 Lord: they shall praise Thee for ever and
ever."
jFottg^&fcti Keadtng anti Inflection
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Legenda
JOSEPH ALERTUS, author of " Social-
ism and the Church/' relates in his book
the following incident.
"In a certain city of Germany situated
on the River Rhine, I one day made the
acquaintance of an artist. As our friend-
ship for each other grew, I was attracted
by his great love and devotion of the Blessed
Sacrament, and I was very much surprised
when I heard that he was a convert. I
therefore asked him to give me a brief
history of his submission to the Church of
Rome, whereupon he told me the following:
"'My father was an official in Dresden,
and, though we lived on moderate means,
all went well with our family till my parents'
death. A small capital was left to me as
402 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
my inheritance and my brother, who was
many years my senior, was appointed my
guardian. He placed me as an apprentice
with a lithographer and furnished me with
necessary funds whenever I needed them.
Further than this he did not bother with
me. As a result I was very lonely and
many sorrowful hours I spent in my little
room. One day when overwhelmed with
grief, I wandered into a Catholic church
and immediately I felt that peace had again
taken possession of my soul. Day after
day, I found myself directing my steps
thither, and though I still attended the
Protestant church on Sundays to join the
hymns and listen to the sermon, I felt nearer
to God in the Catholic place of worship.
'"One day my guardian came to me with
the unwelcome news that my share of the
inheritance was entirely used up and that
I must manage for myself. Almost dis-
tracted, I sought my room to give vent to
my sorrow. For a while I managed to sub-
sist on stale bread and water, but with all
my economy, my cash account was running
so low that I had scarcely enough left to
buy a roll. I felt that I could not go to my
brother, for his hard-heartedness was un-
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 403
bearable to me. Poverty simply stared
me in the face and in my dilemma I again
turned my steps to the Catholic church.
Entering I knelt down before the altar and
prayed most fervently, laying bare all my
troubles before the Most High God. Sud-
denly I grew calm and went back to my
workshop. To my surprise I was hardly
there when the superintendent sent for me,
telling me that he would in the future give
me a salary every week, as my work had
proved satisfactory. I still continued to
pay my visits to the Blessed Sacrament,
although the thought of becoming a Cath-
olic had never entered my mind. When I
was eighteen I saved enough money to take
a course in the academy of Munich.
It happened that on a cold and blustery
November evening, I sat near a window in
one of the well-known beerstubes of Munich,
sipping the beverage of the country. Sud-
denly the sound of a bell attracted my
attention and I saw a priest, preceded by
two torch-bearers, carrying the Blessed Sac-
rament to some sick person. Usually sev-
eral people acted as escort to our divine
Lord on such a journey, but it seemed the
bad weather had proved a drawback. Then
404 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
a sudden thought flashed through my mind:
if there was no Catholic to accompany the
priest on his way, could I not give honor to
the Lord by my presence! Immediately I
left the place, and, bareheaded, followed the
holy man into the narrow street where
the dying one lived. As was his custom,
the priest raised the Blessed Sacrament in
Benediction before entering the house, and,
overcome by a strange impulse, I sank on
my knees before it. At that moment the
grace of God struck my heart. I felt that
I was face to face with my Maker. When
I arose from the pavement, I had resolved
to become a Catholic. The next day I
put my resolution into practice by begin-
ing a series of instructions under the direc-
tion of a priest. My lasting gratitude is
due to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.'" 1
A man grown gray in years and in sin
was one time roaming about the hilltops of
his native land. It was a dark night and
so thick was the mist that he soon lost his
way and knew not whither to turn. How-
ever, had he only known it, his own home
town lay directly before him in the valley.
In his dilemma he stopped, and as he
1 Socialism and the Church by Allertus.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 405
looked, his heart beat rapidly with a sudden
fear. What was that that appeared through
the darkness? The gleam of a light shot
forth and pierced the shadows. Straining
his eyes he looked in amazement, for it sud-
denly occurred to him that that was the
sanctuary lamp of his own parish church,
the interior he had not seen for years.
Forthwith his conscience began to upbraid
him, and as if in a mirror he saw all the
blemishes and ghastly sores that disfigured
his soul.
His First Communion Day with all its
joy and spiritual gladness loomed up before
his mind, and then he thought of the after-
days and his waywardness through the
example of wicked companions. All this
while the glimmering light in the distance
seemed to burn its message into his very
soul.
Overcome by remorse and filled with com-
punction of heart, he directed his steps
toward its flickering beam. As the hour
was now late he knew that it would be use-
less to seek admittance, but instead he knelt
on the hard stone before the church door
and with humble sighs told his heart's story
to God. When morning dawned he sought
406 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
the priest, and after a sincere confession
received the Holy Sacrament of the altar.
Not long after he died the death of the just,
having been called to the path of righteous-
ness by the faint glimmer of the sanctuary
lamp.1
• •
Blessed Margaret of the Blessed Sacra-
ment, a Carmelite nun who lived in France,
as stated by her biographer, was one day
suffering great pain. Her sisters wishing to
ascertain whether she could really find re-
lief in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament,
to which she had a singular devotion, car-
ried her at first to several places in which
the Holy Eucharist was not kept, and ex-
horted her to pray to Jesus Christ. On
every occasion she, however, answered in a
plaintive voice, "I do not find my Savior
here," and addressing herself to Him, she
said, "My Lord, I do not find here Thy di-
vine truth," entreatingly she besought the
sisters to carry her into the presence of the
Blessed Sacrament.
When St. Louis, King of France, was on
his death-bed, he was asked by the priest
1 Eichsfeld Volksblatt, No. 40, 1882.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 407
who brought him the Viaticum, whether he
really believed that Jesus Christ, the Son of
God, was present in the Host. The saint,
collecting all his strength, answered with a
loud voice: "I believe it as firmly as if I
saw Him present in the Host, just as the
apostles saw Him when He ascended glori-
ously into heaven."1
Reflection
0 Sacred Banquet, in which the soul is
replenished with graces and receives a pledge
of future glory. 0 God of my salvation, I
rest calm in the assurance that if I worthily
receive this food, I have nothing to fear.
Thy mercy will overshadow me all the
days of my life. Under Thy protection no
enemy can afflict me, nor trouble cloud my
soul. Even if armies in battle array should
rise against me, why should I fear? If
God is with me, who shall be against me?
1 believe, 0 Lord, that Thou art present
both Body and Soul in the adorable Sacra-
ment. Change the indifference of my heart
into an ardent desire of loving Thee. Sup-
ply in me whatever faith is wanting in a
mystery so incomprehensible to human un-
1 Memoires by Rev. Father Poesel, C.SS.R.
408 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
derstanding. Enliven me with a lively be-
lief in Thy sacred Presence and grant that
my heart may receive Thee reverently as
its God, may receive Thee with confidence
as its Savior, may receive Thee with love as
its Father.
"Jesus, teach me the hidden secrets of Thy love."
JFortpsjFotttt!) Iftea&utji ana Inflection
THE REAL PRESENCE AS MERCIFUL SAVIOR
Legenda
IN a small town in one of the Eastern
States the children of a public school
were about to make their First Holy Com-
munion. The happy day had arrived and
the priest was addressing a few final salu-
tary words to the eager little ones. In elo-
quent though simple terms he explained to
them how marvelous were the graces that
would be showered on their souls when
Jesus came to their hearts for the first time,
and besought them to try always to preserve
their innocence in spite of the wickedness of
the world.
"You know/' he continued, "that one of
your number is missing from this happy
crowd to-day. You have heard how sud-
denly he was taken sick and how quickly
410 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
he left your midst, but as he entertained a
great yearning to receive this great Sacra-
ment I administered Holy Communion to
him on his death-bed. He died shortly
after. Do not fail, my children, to pray for
this little companion of yours to-day and
also for his poor widowed mother. It will
be, indeed, a day of unalloyed joy for your
dear parents when you return home to them
with Jesus in your hearts. All the sorrow
and trouble you have caused them hereto-
fore will be forgotten, all the anxiety they
bore for you in your baby years, all the
worry you caused them even till to-day, —
all will be forgiven. Nothing will cloud
their joy, but this poor widowed mother,
what of her? To-day brings her nothing
but sorrow, since this afternoon we are to
consign to the tomb the mortal remains of
her son."
Not a dry eye remained in the church
when the good priest concluded his sermon,
and that afternoon saw the entire body of
the First Communicants following the corpse
to the cemetery. Evening came and the
widowed mother heard a timid little rap at
the door. "Who can it be?" she thought
to herself, and in another moment a young
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 411
boy with an honest face and bright eyes
stood before her.
" Are you coming, Anthony, to comfort me
in my loneliness?" said Mrs. Veronica. "I
know that my poor Felix was your friend.' '
" Felix was, indeed, my friend," responded
Anthony, "and I feel my loss even more
keenly since I listened to the pastor's words
this morning on the great happiness our
parents experience to-day and the sorrow
that is in your heart. And as I prayed for
you and Felix, the thought came to me that
I ought to make some sacrifice for the good
Jesus who came to visit me. So I asked
my father to allow me to take five dollars
of my savings, to give to you. Please accept
it," and with these words Anthony slipped
the gold piece into the widow's hand. The
good lady, deeply touched, thus made grate-
ful acknowledgment: "God bless you a
thousand times, my child. May the mem-
ory of this noble deed of your First Com-
munion Day accompany you all through
life and, like your guardian angel, protect
you from all evils of body and soul."
But the widow's prayer did not save the
boy at a time when he was merging into
manhood. As long as Anthony was at
412 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
home with his parents no temptation came
in his way. He attended to his religious
duties most fervently, and on all occasions
was exemplary in his conduct. After hav-
ing learned his trade, however, he left his
parental home and went to St. Louis, where
it was his misfortune to associate with un-
believers and reprobates. Abandoning all
his pious practices, Anthony soon became as
dissipated and as godless as the others. It
was not long till he was prostrated with
hasty consumption and sent to a hospital
to die. Priest, doctor, and Sisters of Char-
ity did their utmost to persuade their
patient to make his peace with God but all
to no avail. Curses and blasphemies were
the only answer to their entreaties.
But one day a strange visitor advanced
to his bedside. It was an old woman bent
with age, and supporting herself on a crutch.
" Don't you know me?" asked the grey-
haired lady in a feeble voice. " Don't you
know Veronica the widow? I am she, at
present an inmate of this institution. Some-
one told me yesterday that you were here
very sick. As this was my last and only
chance, I determined to call to-day to thank
you once more for your gift to me on your
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 413
! First Communion Day. I have been pray-
ing for you. And not only that, but I am
sure my dear Felix who was buried on that
day, and your good parents who have since
followed him to eternity, have remembered
i you before the throne of God."
"Oh, say no more, I beg of you," cried
out the repentant Anthony, weeping bit-
terly. "If I had only persevered and
preserved the innocence of my First
Communion Day!"
But there is a way to return to God when
i we have strayed away, and gladly did
Anthony now seek that way. His heart
was no longer closed to divine grace. The
priestly hand was soon raised to give him
absolution, and our forgiving Savior came
to him in the Sacrament of the Holy Eu-
charist. Thus strengthened, he delivered
his repentant soul into the hands of his
Maker, nevermore to take it back.
How beautiful an instance is this of God's
mercy to a boy who performed a noble deed
on his First Communion Day.1
During the terrible days of the " Com-
mune," 1871, in Paris a little boy, scarcely
iEichsfeld Volksblatt, No. 13, 1893. "Pelican," 1884.
414 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
ten years old, was an acolyte at the cele-
brated church, "Our Lady of Victory.' '
Although so young he was a great lover of
the Prisoner of the Tabernacle, and it was
his greatest delight to serve at the altar.
Every nook and corner of this magnificent
church was as familiar to him as his own
home.
One morning after Mass he overheard a
conversation in the sacristy by the priests,
who discussed the probability of an attack
on the church by the Communists. On
previous occasions these godless men had
desecrated the Blessed Sacrament in sev-
eral churches of the capital. The pious
boy shuddered at the thought that the same
outrage might be committed at his church.
From the conversation of the priests the
boy understood that the Blessed Sacrament
would be removed from the high altar to
the altar of St. Peter situated in one of the
chapels.
With a lighted taper in hand the little
acolyte walked reverently before the priest,
who bore the precious burden from the
main altar to the chapel of St. Peter. The
boy was very much grieved to see our dear
Lord driven from His magnificent and costly
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 415
home to a less attractive habitation and
while pondering over this condition, a happy
thought struck the little knight of the
Blessed Sacrament. He would remain with
the Blessed Sacrament all night after the
rest had gone. Entirely disregarding his
youth and feebleness, he accordingly took
his station before the tabernacle to watch
and pray lest Jesus should be made the
victim of these wicked men.
Within a short time the robbers made
their appearance. Cursing and yelling they
broke into the beautiful church, and di-
rected their steps to the altar, where but a
short time before Mass had been offered.
The little sentinel trembled with excite-
ment. He heard them break open the door
of the tabernacle and on finding it empty
pour forth horrid curses with threats of
searching every nook and corner till the
golden vessels were found.
After noticing the robbers tramping from
chapel to chapel amid the vilest blasphemies
uttered on account of their disappointment,
he heard them coming closer to the chapel
of St. Peter. His love for our Savior made
him ready to risk anything to save the
Blessed Sacrament. Our Lord requited the
416 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
desire of this innocent child's heart by in-
spiring him with the thought of immediately
going to the sacristy to secure the key,
which he found at the usual place. Having
unlocked the tabernacle he took out the
ciborium and with all possible speed car-
ried it to his home. Without being no-
ticed he went up several flights of stairs
until he reached the nursery, which was
entirely deserted with the exception of his
brother, a four year old child.
Having deposited the ciborium on a
table, the brave little knight most pro-
foundly genuflected and after uncovering
the sacred vessel asked his little brother to
eat the precious Food, offering him one
sacred Host after another until the cibo-
rium was empty. Although he had an ar-
dent desire to partake of the heavenly Food
himself, he yet considered himself unworthy,
not having been to confession. The heart
of his innocent little brother became the
tabernacle of the great Lord of heaven and
earth.1
In the time of the penal laws of England
under Queen Elizabeth, a Catholic noble-
1 Tabernacle and Purgatory, Vol. 9, page 212.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 417
man was fined four hundred crowns for
having received Holy Communion. Re-
gardless of the iniquitous law, however, he
continued to communicate, cheerfully pay-
ing the fine each time he was detected, al-
though he was thereby obliged to sell two
of his best estates. He declared that he
never spent any money with greater joy
than that he was obliged to pay for the
privilege of receiving his Lord. Still more
affecting is the example which is related of
a dying man, in the time of St. Charles
Borromeo, Archbishop of Milan. A dread-
ful pestilence had broken out in the city
and a certain man in the hospital of St.
Gregory, having been attacked by it, was
soon reduced to the last extremity. In this
state he was carried to a place where the
dead bodies were thrown before being
buried. Life, however, was not yet quite
extinct, and after a night spent in this
horrible situation, he heard in the morning
the sound of a bell announcing the approach
of the Blessed Sacrament. Seized with an
ardent desire of receiving his Savior, he
extricated himself with great difficulty from
the dead bodies that were piled upon him,
and crawling to the feet of the priest who
418 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
carried the Holy Viaticum, conjured him to
give him Holy Communion. The priest,
touched with compassion, immediately com-
municated him, but the efforts the poor
man had made were too much for his feeble
strength, and while his lips were still moving
in prayer, and his eyes looking up to heaven,
he fell back cold and lifeless at the feet of
the priest.1
Reflection
Christ compels no man to receive Him,
nor yet does He deny Himself to anyone who
approaches the Holy Sacrament with con-
trite heart. He ardently desired that all
who thirst for the water of eternal life
should come and drink freely. The great
St. Chrysostom pictures Christ thus speak-
ing to us and saying: "I do violence to no
one, I draw no one, but if anyone comes to
Me willingly and promptly, him I invite."
Let us come then to have our thirst allayed
with the never-failing waters which lead to
eternal life.
*"Let us approach the Holy Eucharist with
an ardent desire," says Euthycius. "Let
us not be sluggish or dilatory. Before we
^tt: Euch., page 672.
!
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 419
partake of the Body and Blood of our Lord,
let us pour forth our hearts in earnest de-
sire. It is the pious practice of some to
turn their minds at every hour of the day
toward Christ dwelling in the Blessed Sac-
rament, and to tell Him how much they
long to receive Him. If this practice seems
wearisome to us, at least let us make as-
pirations of ardent desire before Holy Com-
munion, so that when Jesus comes to us He
may not feel unwelcome. 'For Thee my
soul hath thirsted, my God, for Thee my
flesh hath pined in countless ways.' "
jFottg*jftCtf) IBUatunff and Inflection
THE REAL PRESENCE AS AVENGER
Legenda
ONE stormy night in April, in the year
1852, a crowd of students was gath-
ered in the cafe in a large University town.
As might be supposed, their licentious revelry
and conviviality lasted till the small hours
of the morning. At last the party broke
up, only to seek their homes in a very hila-
rious state of mind. One young man in
particular conceived the idea of playing a
huge joke. As he passed the priest's house,
he ran up the steps and violently pulled the
bell. After a few moments the good man
responded to the call, and was met by the
words: " Hurry, Father, hurry! A man
lies dying at No. 25 N . . . Street, two
flights up. Do not tarry or it will be too
late." Obedient to the summons, the priest
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 421
immediately hurried away to get the Blessed
Sacrament while the impious young man,
laughing heartily, rejoined his companions.
Arrived at the house with the Sacred Bur-
den, the minister of God found that his
mission had been a useless one, for instead
of anyone being sick he was laughed to
scorn for his pains. Thinking perhaps that
he had mistaken the number, he repaired
to several houses in the neighborhood, only
to meet the sneers of the ungodly.
But what became of the student who had
caused his God in the Blessed Sacrament
such profanation? Though gifted with bril-
liant talents, he now began to fail from day
to day. In preparing for examination, those
answers which had hitherto seemed mere
play work baffled his comprehension. Day
after day he lost strength perceptibly, and
soon his health was impaired both physically
and mentally. Earnestly did his parents
and friends entreat him to make his peace
with God and at last he gave his consent.
Again the night was dark and stormy and
the skies were leaden grey, while the winds
whistled and raged about the sick man's
house. On such a night as this two years
ago he had subjected his God to infamous
422 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
treatment, and now the same God is being
carried to him by the very one he had in-
sulted. Hardly had the good priest crossed
the threshold, however, when he was told
the sorrowful news of the young man's
death. Yea, verily, he already stood be-
fore that Judge of whom he had made a
laughing-stock years ago. Already his sen-
tence had been pronounced, — was it life
or death for all eternity? 1
Bernard, a pious Dominican friar, dwelt
in his convent of Santarem, in Portugal,
and his duty was to tend to the sacristy.
Now it happened that he had charge of two
little boys from the neighborhood, whom he
taught to serve the priests of the Order at
Holy Mass. As they were too young to be
received into the convent, they went home
to their parents at night, but during the day
they barely quitted the monastery. Ber-
nard had the tenderest affection for the
children, and, as a reward for their good con-
duct, he taught them not only the catechism,
but also the first rudiments of grammar;
moreover he brought them up very piously,
1 Eichsfeld Volksblatt, No. 4, 1883.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 423
instilling into their tender minds a great love
for the Blessed Sacrament and for the
Mother of God. Each morning the boys
used to bring with them a little refreshment,
consisting of bread and fruit, which, Holy
Mass being ended, they took in a little side
chapel. In this chapel there was an image
of the Blessed Virgin with the Divine Infant
in her arms. Now the little boys never
omitted to greet the Infant Jesus with a
salutation, and, at last, one day, the Divine
Child whose delight it is to dwell among the
lilies, condescended to come down from His
Mother's arms, and to ask them to give Him
of their food. With joy they invited the
fair Child to join their meal, who henceforth
was their frequent companion.
On the Feast of the Ascension Blessed
Bernard prayed with more than usual fervor,
and then, his face shining like that of an angel,
with the boys at his side, he went up to the
altar to say Mass; when the Holy Mysteries
were ended, Bernard prostrated himself on
the steps of the altar, signing to the two
boys to do in like manner. As they tarried
long in deep prayer a sweet sleep overcame
them, and so they went to the feast of Eternal
Life. This happened in the year 1265,
424 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
When the brethren, according to custom,
went into the choir, they found the three
bodies prostrate upon the steps of the altar,
the priest in his vestments, the boys in their
white surplices, and their faces shining with
heavenly beauty. Finding them lifeless the
confessor of Blessed Bernard was commanded
to give as far as he could, some account of
so extraordinary a passing away; and, in
presence of the whole community, he related
what had happened to the children, and what
the Lord had promised them.1
It is related that a priest was once on his
way to administer the last rites of the
church to a dying person who lived on the
outskirts of the city. On his way thither
he met a man, known throughout the en-
tire country for his wicked and dissipated
life. As soon as the latter noticed the priest
hastening reverently on his way, he began
to curse the Blessed Sacrament, and then
turned aside into the woods to avoid passing
it. Without noticing the man, both priest
and sexton pursued their course, eager to
reach the bedside of the dying before it was
1 Diario, Dominic. Boll., 8 Mai. Ott: Eucharisticum.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 425
too late. Their duty done, they returned
by the same way they had come, but to
their astonishment when they reached the
identical spot where they had met the im-
pious man, they heard pitiful cries for help.
The priest hurried in the direction of the
sound and found the blasphemer lying in a
pool of blood flowing from a ghastly wound.
He had stumbled over the root of a tree,
and had fallen, striking his head against a
sharp jutting stone. " Indeed, the Lord is
just," he moaned piteously. "I wanted
to escape bending my knee, and that is
why I turned my steps into the thicket,
venting curses on God all the way. But
now, blessed be his Holy Name, the curse
has fallen upon myself." Humble and re-
pentant, he received the Sacrament and
died a few days later.1
The devotion of the Catholics of Africa,
and especially of Uganda, is wonderful to
see. The children are deeply imbued with
the spirit of faith, and there is hardly an
hour when you will not find a group of
them reverently gathered before the taber-
nacle. They say they are " Paying homage
to the King," and they cut short their play
1 "Pelican/' 1890.
426 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
or run upon their errands in order to spend
an hour with the hidden Lord.
No matter how hard these people have
to work, there is always a crowd of them
waiting in the darkness for the chapel to
open, and the early morning mass is always
well attended. At six o'clock the war tam-
bourine sounds to call the people to mass,
for of course bells are unknown in the in-
terior of Africa. In other days the same
sound would bring warriors armed for bat-
tle, but now it only calls them "To pay
homage to the King."
Sunday is a great day for all the Chris-
tians. At the sound of the tambourine the
natives come from their huts arrayed all in
white. It is a wonderful spectacle. Whiter
than snow in their immaculate gowns,
fathers, mothers and children descend from
their cabins and circle the valley, following
the course of the river, and as they draw
nearer the chapel not a word is spoken.
But in the church, every eye is fixed in
deepest recollection upon the tabernacle,
the throne of the King they love so well.
Not a head is turned. Not a smile escapes
to greet a friend as they chant the Liturgical
Litany in perfect unison. When this ser-
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 427
vice is over, they file out just as reverently,
and talking quietly now return happily to
their huts. As the sun goes down, the
tambourine rolls again, and men, women
and children stop where they are to pray
the angelus. Then all assemble again for
the last act of their day, night prayers
in the chapel, and from the oldest to the
youngest every heart is lifted in thanks-
giving, in one last act of " Homage to the
King."
Reflection
According to the testimony of the Canti-
cle of Canticles, is not Christ all love?
And if we desire beauty, is He not the
most beautiful? If we look for goodness,
is He not God, whose nature is goodness?
All lovely is He, not only as regards His
divinity, but also as regards His humanity.
From the beginning of His conception to the
triumph of His Passion, Death, Resurrec-
tion and Ascension, we hail Him as the
Most High God. Hugh the Cardinal says:
" Christ is all lovely in Himself and His
members, and worthy to be sought and
desired. The angels recognize in Him all
beauty and grace, and therefore they desire
428 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
to behold Him more and more. Zacchaeus
thought Christ all fair, when, eagerly de-
sirous of seeing Him, he climbed into a syca-
more tree to behold his God as He passed.
Mary Magdalen sought Him and mourned
in her seeking, saying: 'They have taken
away my Lord and I know not where they
have laid Him/ Finally, if heaven and
earth, angels and men, have desired Him,
ought we not to long to be united to that
same God in the Most Holy Sacrament of
the Eucharist? "
" What have I in heaven and besides Thee,
O Lord, what do I desire on earth? For
Thee my flesh and heart have fainted away."
jfott^&feti) Keatung anti Wittltction
THE REAL PRESENCE AS DIVINE PHYSICIAN
Legenda
IN the year 1824, Mrs. Anna Mattingly
of Washington, D.C., was miraculously
cured of a severe illness in the following
manner. She had been suffering from a
dangerous cancer for several years; in spite
of every remedy the disease seemed incur-
able. In time she lost the use of her left
arm, her back and shoulders became ul-
cerated in consequence of a long confine-
ment, and the symptoms of approaching
dissolution began to appear. Finding that
all natural means were unavailing, she had
recourse to God. In concert with Prince
Hohenlohe and her pastor, the Rev. Stephen
L. Dubuisson, she began a novena in honor
430 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and at its
end received the Blessed Sacrament. When
about to receive Holy Communion, believ-
ing that the time had come when she must
either die or be restored to health, she ut-
tered these words: "Lord Jesus, Thy Will
be glorified. " Her tongue was so rough
and parched from fever that she was unable
to swallow the host for five or six seconds,
but the moment she swallowed it all pain
instantly vanished and her body was en-
tirely healed. She immediately arose and
dressed herself, and having knelt down gave
thanks to God, and received hundreds of
visitors who came to congratulate her and
to witness the miracle. These facts are all
attested by a number of competent wit-
nesses, and anyone who desires to examine
the evidence can find a full statement of the
case in the works of Bishop England.
• •
In the year 1824, on the 25th of January,
another miraculous cure was obtained dur-
ing mass in the case of Mary Dorizon, which
caused a great sensation in the diocese of
Maux, in France, where it took place. Mary
Dorizon, a poor woman about forty years of
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 431
age and much respected for her virtues, was
subject from the age of 17 to a nervous dis-
order of a very extraordinary nature. All
known remedies proved unavailing and par-
ticularly in the year mentioned, her dis-
order assumed an alarming character. She
had daily convulsions, which rendered her
person quite deformed, ulcers, swelling of
the legs, and other maladies, resulting. It
occurred to her friends to write to the Prince
Hohenlohe on her behalf. The Prince, as
before, directed them to perform certain
devotions, and on Sunday, the 25th of Jan-
uary, two masses were offered up for her
intentions. She fainted during both; but
at the moment of the elevation at the second
Mass recovered her senses and exclaimed:
" Thanks be to our Lord, give me my
clothes.' ' She rose without assistance and
remained long enough on her knees to pre-
pare herself for Holy Communion, which
she received a little before nine o'clock.
In short, her cure was so complete that the
patient, hitherto incapable of moving a step,
repaired alone to the church and assisted at
High Mass to the great astonishment of the
spectators. Since that time she walks and
works. Her person has become straight,
432 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
her wounds have closed, and her diseases
have disappeared.1
Augustina Mourette, a resident of Creteill
on the Seine, France, had lost the use of her
feet, her arms, and her tongue, being as a
result completely crippled. For eighteen
months Augustina lay upon her couch with-
out any sign of hope.
It was in the year 1802 and the feast of
Corpus Christi was to be celebrated pub-
licly and with great pomp throughout the
kingdom of France. A young girl friend of
Augustina, by the name of Henrietta, had
read in the gospel how in former times the
people had brought the sick to the Savior
as He passed by. "Now," thought she, "the
very Savior passeth by our houses and His
pity for the unhappy is ever the same; He
gave health to one sick of the palsy and
will it be harder for Him to manifest His
pitiful goodness to a cripple of eighteen
months?" Henrietta formed her plan and
laid it before her companions, who entered
into it most earnestly.
1 Works of Dr. England, Bishop of Charleston, Vol.
Ill, page 393.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 433
The following day Augustina was dressed
by her friends in her feastday clothes,
placed in an armchair and carried by them
through the midst of the astonished crowd
and placed near the high altar where the
Holy of Holies should rest. At the time of
Benediction the maidens, dressed in white
and with veils on their heads, took up their
well-beloved companion in her chair and
placed her down gently a few steps from
the altar. Then, forming themselves in a
semicircle around her, they begged with
earnest faith and hope for her recovery, for
a miracle. A thousand eyes fixed them-
selves now on the Blessed Sacrament, now
on the crippled girl. The priest came down
with the Most Holy in his hands, and placing
it in the midst of the circle, said a prayer
over the cripple. "Amen," responded the
group of maidens. "Amen," resounded far
and near. At this universal response to
the supplication of the priest everyone
perceived the sick girl rise from her chair
without help and bend her knees with ease
in thankful adoration before the Divine
Physician.1
1 Annales du Saint Sacrament, 1865.
434 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
A magazine, entitled " Tabernacle and
Purgatory/' publishes the following account
of a cure obtained through our Eucharistic
Lord.
"On January 6, 1868, the feast of the
Epiphany, I was compelled to take to my
bed on account of illness. As I complained
of a headache and felt a chill through my
body, my parents supposed I had merely
taken a cold which would soon pass away.
They kept me in bed but did not think it
necessary to call a physician. The next
day my limbs were very weak, but I was
still able to walk when supported. My
parents now took my ailment for gout and
kept me especially warm. The weakness
in my limbs, however, kept on increasing,
and in the space of two weeks they were so
paralyzed that I was unable to stand upon
them. Gradually my back, likewise, seemed
to lose all feeling, and it could be pricked
with a pin without my feeling anything.
"As my appetite had also abandoned me,
Physician Dr. E. of 0. . . . was summoned.
He examined me carefully, and declared
that I was suffering from nervous prostra-
tion, my nerves having become entirely
inactive. For a long time I took medicines
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 435
and electric treatment, but received neither
strength nor power to move my paralyzed
limbs. The only result was that in some
spots there seemed to be a little life for a
time, but the next day it was all as before.
Then Dr. E. ordered me to take sweat-
baths, but these likewise did not help me
and he finally gave up my case as hopeless.
"In the meantime I reached the age of
thirteen, and had already spent a whole
year in the pitiable condition. The other
children of my age had received their first
Holy Communion on Low Sunday, 1869,
and I entertained an ardent desire to enjoy
the, same happiness. I expressed my wish
to the pastor, who had frequently visited me
during my illness. He at once consented to
my petition but was not in favor of my
receiving First Holy Communion in the
church as I desired, but thought that I
should remain in bed. I, however, felt
convinced that if I could receive my First
Holy Communion in the church I should
be cured. At length the good pastor con-
sented and appointed July 26th, the feast
of my patron, St. Ann, as the day for my
First Holy Communion. I could scarcely
await the time, for I had a great longing
436 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
to be united with my Savior in the Blessed
Sacrament; moreover, I confidently hoped
to be restored to health. The day so ar-
dently longed for came at last. My par-
ents had me taken to the church in a little
wagon and then my father carried me into
the church and placed me in an armchair
that was in readiness. Sister M. L., the
Superior of the Franciscans, helped my
mother to bring me up to the communion
rail and my Jesus came into my heart. As
I was not able to kneel, they had to place
me back in the chair, where I made my
thanksgiving and earnestly begged our Lord
to cure me if it were His Holy Will.
" After I had prayed firmly thus for a time,
I experienced a strange sensation of tugging
and creeping in my paralyzed members.
I had not felt anything like it for nineteen
months, and the thought came to me at
once, 'Now I can walk again.' This tug-
ging and creeping kept on increasing and I
could scarcely wait until Mass was finished
so I might get up and walk. After part of
the congregation had left, my father was
about to take me in his arms and carry me
back to the wagon, but I said to him 'I can
walk.' When I asked him to step aside he
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 437
thought, of course, that it was only my
imagination, but he let me have my way
and as a precaution held out his hands to
catch me if I should fall. But what a
surprise awaited him! I arose sprightly
and walked all alone to the other end of
the church, where I knelt down and firmly
thanked God for this great favor. The
pastor, too, was deeply moved and immedi-
ately knelt down at the foot of the altar
and offered up prayers of gratitude aloud
in which all the people joined. Thereupon
my mother and friends led me home.
Nearly four years have passed since my
miraculous cure and I never had a relapse
of my former illness. The whole city can
testify to this, as I take a walk through the
streets every day." A. M.1
Reflection
Our dear Savior shows Himself to the
Blessed in glory, but to us he gives Himself
whole and entire under the sacramental
species. There the Blessed enjoy Him as a
reward; here we receive Him as our food to
help us on our way. There He communi-
cates Himself to them as a clear object of
1 Tabernacle and Purgatory, Vol. X.
438 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
vision, here He communicates Himself to
us hidden in the accidents of the mystery.
To both He could give nothing greater than
Himself. Love in infinite intensity marked
the dealings of Christ with the elect in
heaven and struggling humanity on earth.
Could there be a more convincing proof of
His love for us?
JFort^&ebent!) Keatuno; and Witiltctioxt
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Legenda
ST. JULIANA FALCONIERI, a holy vir-
gin who lived in the thirteenth century,
was distinguished for her extraordinary devo-
tion to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. In
her last illness she earnestly desired to receive
Him in the Holy Viaticum, but on account of
the continual sickness to which she was sub-
ject, it was considered impossible to comply
with her pious desire. Moved, however by
her earnest entreaties, her confessor brought
into her presence the Sacred Host, that she
might have at least the consolation of adoring
our Lord and receiving His last blessing.
No sooner did she perceive the object of her
ardent affection, than in a transport of love,
forgetting her extreme weakness, she sprang
from the bed, and cast herself on the ground
to adore her God. Then with many tears
440 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
she asked as a last favor, that since she
could not receive Jesus sacramentally, His
most Sacred Body might be laid upon her
breast, that her heart might be refreshed by
the near presence of Him whom she so ar-
dently loved. Her confessor, moved by her
tears and entreaties and knowing well the
virginal purity of her soul and her eminent
sanctity, granted her request, and a corporal
having been spread upon the breast of the
dying virgin, the Blessed Sacrament was
placed upon it in the immediate neighbor-
hood of her heart. Scarcely had the priest
laid the Sacred Host on the chaste bosom
of Juliana, than, overcome by the sweetness
of our Lord's presence and languishing with
love, she cried out, "Oh my sweet Jesus !"
and expired. Wonderful to relate the Sacred
Host was no longer to be seen. In the last
expiring act of love and longing desire with
which Juliana had greeted the presence of
Jesus, the Sacred Host had passed into her
heart, leaving the impression of the conse-
crated particle upon her breast. Thus did
Jesus satisfy the longing desire of this pure
soul, coming to her as her Viaticum to
accompany her to his heavenly kingdom.1
1 Life of St. Juliana Falconieri.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 441
Favre, a French author, in one of his
writings recounts the following incident.
In the year 1803 during the invasion of
Piedmont by the French, a procession in
honor of the jubilee granted on that oc-
casion was being held in Turin. It hap-
pened that there was a most irreligious
barber in the city, who scoffed and sneered
at any of his customers expressing a desire
to join the procession. When he had fin-
ished his work, he determined to see the
grand display himself, going, however, not
from any motive of piety, but as an occa-
sion of offering insults to our divine Savior
in the Sacrament of His love. But behold,
at the moment when the priest carrying
the Blessed Sacrament passed him, he fell
dead on the ground in presence of the nu-
merous throng who had assembled to pay
their homage to our Lord. The people
regarded his sudden death as a just punish-
ment for his wickedness. The event caused
such a sensation that the police magistrate
had the wretched man's body exposed for
forty-six hours at the door of the City Hall.1
During the octave of the feast of Corpus
1 "Pelican," 1893.
442 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
Christi, in 1445, thieves broke open the
tabernacle of All Saints' Church, Cracow,
Poland. A golden receptacle in which the
Sacred Host was preserved was, however,
all they could secure. Having reached the
city gate, they examined their booty to see
if it was of any value, but, to their dis-
pleasure, they found that it was only gilded
copper. In utter disgust they threw it in
a meadow near by. Then a strange occur-
rence took place. The meadow became
an object of interest to the surrounding
country, for from that time forth a peculiar
glow seemed to rest over it, and innumer-
able lights floated to and fro, dispelling the
darkness. Though many of the town's in-
habitants knew of the peculiar appearances
and called them the will o' the wisp, still
none seemed to be able to define the present
phenomena. Scientists were called upon to
pass judgment upon the extraordinary fea-
ture, but they were completely baffled and
unable to offer any satisfactory explanation.
Finally the Bishop of the place ordered
special prayers to be recited and a three
days' fast to be observed, that God might
reveal the reason of this wonder.
After the third day, the Bishop in solemn
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 443
procession went to the meadow, and lo,
from the sedge and brushwood the Host
in all its purity arose in sight of the
awestricken people. The brilliant lights,
therefore, were the work of angel-hands
assembled to do reverence to their insulted
Lord.
Casimir, King of Poland, had a church
erected on the spot, and consecrated under
the title of Corpus Christi. A mural paint-
ing within the edifice portrays all the inci-
dents of the miracle. Even at the present
time thousands of pilgrims visit the spot
every year on the anniversary of the mar-
velous occurrence. It is almost impossible
to doubt the above cited historic fact, since
the very church erected by King Casimir
and the mural paintings still exist.1
Reflection
Let us seriously contemplate Christ's
goodness, wisdom, and power in the Holy
Sacrament. Let joy and goodness flood our
hearts, for the gift is wondrous for such
as we are. Too often the reception of Holy
Communion is neglected by ungrateful men,
yet God Himself directed that our souls
1 Acta S.S. Aug. 3, page 317.
444 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
should be nourished by this heavenly food.
In receiving Jesus, the clouds that darken
our lives are dispersed, and rifts of heaven's
dazzling brightness break in upon our souls.
Thus we pass through trouble and tribu-
lation to the brightness beyond.
When we approach the Holy Table no
sorrow can really afflict us. Unlike the
bitter sighs of Job in his misery, ours are
sighs of Christian joy. His lamentations
were mournful when he sat down to partake
of ordinary bread, knowing perhaps with
prophetic gaze of the " Bread that cometh
from heaven. " Christians should sigh with
love when they eat of the Body of our Lord.
But like the faithful Job, we ought to labor,
doing penance, eradicating vice, and trans-
forming our lives. With desire, with love,
and with joy let us long for the time when
we shall be again united to our God in Holy
Communion.
THE Annals of the Propagation of the
Faith " bring to notice a very striking
instance of how the great God of heaven and
earth on one occasion avenged a sacrilege.
It was in the year 1834, on the eve of the
Assumption of our Blessed Mother. Night
had already spread its mantle over the earth,
and lulled to slumber its toilworn inhab-
itants. The city of Charlestown in the
United States seemed particularly peaceful,
when suddenly leaping flames of fire began to
cover the heavens. Approaching nearer one
could see that the Ursuline Convent was a
mass of flames. Was the fire an accident?
No, fanatical men in the town had planned
an uprising against the Catholics and this
was the result.
446 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
Both Sisters and pupils had already re-
tired for the night, when suddenly they
were aroused from their peaceful slumber
by the shouts of the mob and the demolish-
ing of the outer doors of the Convent.
With difficulty the pupils effected their
escape as the bright flames almost enveloped
them. Unheeding the frantic appeals of the
Sisters, the men continued their unholy
work. They were now engaged in plunder-
ing the church. One of their number as-
cended the steps of the altar, seized the
ciborium, and emptied the consecrated par-
ticles into his pocket. Then he repaired to
a tavern in the city, and surrounded by his
associates began to relate his courageous deed.
In the midst of his blasphemous speech
he suddenly noticed an Irish Catholic re-
garding him with an aspect of intense hor-
ror. Nothing daunted, however, the wicked
man forthwith drew from his pocket several
Hosts, and holding them on high so that
the Catholic could see them, addressed him
in a sneering tone: "Here, behold your
God! Why need you go any more to seek
him in your church? " The Catholic, dum-
founded, stood irresolute. What should he
do? But God's vengeance had already over-
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 447
j taken the blasphemer. At that moment he
| turned deadly pale, and feeling himself
! seized with a sudden paroxysm, hurried
from the room. A quarter of an hour, a
! half hour elapsed, yet he did not return.
A dreadful fear fell on the spectators, and
with one impulse they went to search for
I him. There he lay on the floor of another
room, — a corpse! Thus had the just pun-
ishment of God been meted out to the
perpetrator of the horrible sacrilege.1
A young man once lived in excessive
criminal indulgence for so long that there
seemed little hope of his ever again return-
ing to the path of righteousness. At Easter
time, however, a strange resolution formu-
lated itself in his mind, and he determined
to make his Easter duty. Yet the very
determination did not make him change his
mode of life, and, as a result, he approached
the Holy Table with a grave sin upon his
soul, and thus became guilty of a sacrilege.
But scarcely had he received the Sacra-
ment when he was possessed by the devil,
1 Works of Bishop Fenwick of Boston. Blessed Eu-
charist by Father Mueller, C.SS.R.
448 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
who maltreated him excessively. Having
been informed of the reality of the posses-
sion of the young man, the Bishop sent a
missionary to exorcise the demoniac. In
order to show the spectators that the man
was really possessed, the priest commanded
the devil to lift him up and hold him sus-
pended in the air. The devil did so. Then
the minister of God bade the evil spirit
give him back the body. Again the fiend
obeyed. " Answer me," the priest then said
to the devil, "why dost thou take possession
of the body of this unhappy Christian?"
" Because I have a just right to it," Satan
replied; "he is mine, since he made that
bad Communion." This declaration struck
such a salutary fear into the hearts of the
spectators that they resolved not only never
to make a sacrilegious Communion, but also
to be more devout and fervent when receiv-
ing the Blessed Sacrament thereafter.
God showed excessive mercy to the young
man, however, in freeing him through the
prayers of the Church from the diabolical
obsession.
Guillois, a French author, mentions the
above cited case in one of his works.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 449
St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi, as we
read in her life, visited Jesus Christ in the
Blessed Sacrament thirty-three times a day.
The Countess of Feria, a nun of the order of
Poor Clares, was called the Spouse of the
Blessed Sacrament, from her fervent and
lengthened visits to it.
St. Elizabeth of Hungary was accus-
tomed, even in her childhood, often to visit
Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. If
she found the church closed, she would af-
fectionately kiss the lock of the door and
the walls of the church for love of Jesus
Christ in the Most Holy Eucharist.
St. Alphonsus being unable, on account of
his advanced age, to walk to the church,
was carried thither in a chair, in order to
pay his accustomed visits to his Savior.
Father Aloys la Nuza, a great missionary
of Sicily, was, even when a young student
in the world, so much attached to Jesus
Christ that it seemed as if he could hardly
tear himself from the presence of his beloved
Lord, on account of the great delight he
found there; when he was commanded by
his director not to remain before the Blessed
Sacrament longer than an hour at a time,
it was as great a difficulty to separate him-
450 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
self from the bosom of Jesus at the expira-
tion of that time, as it is for an infant to
tear itself away from its mother's breast.
The writer of his life says that, when he
was forced to leave the church, he would
stand looking at the altar and turning again
and again, as if he could not take leave of
his Lord, whose presence was so sweet and
consoling.
How many are there perhaps who must
confess up to this day that they have never
visited Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacra-
ment, resembling Jutta, the niece of the
Empress St. Cunigunda, of whom it is
related that she stayed at home, without
any plausible reason, wliilst the Blessed
Sacrament was exposed in the church. St.
Cunigunda, inflamed with holy indignation
at this indifference, gave her niece a severe
slap in the face. The Lord, in punishment
of Jutta' s indifference toward Him, allowed
the print of St. Cunigunda's fingers to re-
main indelibly stamped on her face.
Reflection
If the unleavened bread of the Old Law
was deemed desirable, how much more so
ought not the Bread of the New Law, the
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 451
Bread of the Holy Eucharist, to be, since in
it Christ is truly and really received! Cer-
tainly this is the Bread for which we should
long exceedingly! " Great is that Bread/'
says St. Chrysostom, which fills the mind
and not the stomach. That Bread is ours
and the Angels'; that Bread is eaten and
remains entire. We eat It, and by It we
live, and on It we feed, with It we are nour-
ished, and through It we reach heaven.' '
Oh! how desirable is that Bread! Who is
he who desires not to eat' It? The manna
given to the Jews of old was desirable. It
was heavenly bread delivered to man by
the ministry of angels, but soon they tired
of it, and were ungrateful to God for His
bounty. Not a few Christians act as these
Jews. They partake but seldom of the
Holy Eucharist, and when the divine and
ecclesiastical precepts command them to
do so, they approach the Sacrament tepidly
and slothfully. Oh! let us take care not to
loathe that Eucharistic Food.
jfott^jRmtf) Ifteatuns ana l&ttltttion
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Historical
THE impious Frederick the Second, on
account of his wickedness, had fallen
under the ban of the Church, and sent a
colony of 20,000 infidels into the valley of
Spoleto because it was the patrimony of
the Holy See. These banditti came in great
numbers to plunder Assisi, and as St. Dami-
en's convent stood without the walls of the
city they assaulted it first. This nunnery
was governed by the holy abbess St. Clare.
They placed long ladders against the walls
and began the ascent until it seemed that
in a few moments the spouses of Christ
would fall into the hands of these wdcked
men. It was obvious that there was no
chance of escape, yet not for an instant
did the holy virgin despair. In her ex-
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 453
tremity Clare immediately summoned her
Sisters to the chapel, and as if by an inspi-
ration from heaven mounted the steps of
the alter, and with reverent hands took
forth the ciborium containing the Sacred
Body of our Lord. Then bowing in adora-
tion, and with eyes raised to the holy vessel,
she prayed thus: "0 my Jesus, save thy
servant whom Thou hast brought hither,
and whom Thou dost so often nourish with
Thy precious Body." Her prayer ended,
she was interiorly comforted, feeling that
the protection of heaven was resting upon
her. Then with a brave heart she bore the
ciborium to the convent wall, The men
who were then trying to scale the height
were completely dazzled by the light ema-
nating from the sacred vessel and, panic-
stricken, sought safety in flight. Thus was
the holy convent saved from destruction by
the invaders, who therefore directed their
steps to the city.
But the marvel did not stop here.
Hardly had the inhabitants of the valley
of Spoleto recovered from the shock of this
invasion when Vitalis Aversa, a cruel and
proud general, laid siegeto Assisi for many
days. St. Clare now used her endeavors to
454 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
save the city from which they had hitherto
received all their temporal sustenances. Call-
ing her nuns together she ordered them to
strew ashes on their heads and, prostrating
themselves before the tabernacle, inter-
ceded that the Lord should spare the city.
They continued for a day and a night in
prayer to God until powerful succors ar-
rived and the assailants were compelled to
raise the siege. Their general was soon
after slain. It was not without reason,
then, that Pope Innocent IV and Gregory
IX held the holy virgin Clare in such high
regard. God often worked miracles out of
regard for His faithful servant.1
There are many beautiful examples on
record of the homage which kings and em-
perors have paid to the Savior of mankind
humbly hidden in the Blessed Sacrament.
Philip II, King of Spain, always dispensed
with regal pomp and pageantry when he
assisted at processions of the Blessed Sac-
rament, and mingled with the throng as an
ordinary personage. Even the inclem-
ency of the weather did not deter him
1 Ott: Euch., 197. Her Life by P. P. Lechner.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 455
from paying his tribute of honor to his
Lord. One day as he was devoutly ac-
companying the Blessed Sacrament with
uncovered head a page held his hat over
him to shield him from the burning sun.
" Never mind," said Philip, "the sun will
do no harm. At such a time as this we
must regard neither rain nor wind, heat
nor cold."
Rudolph, Count of Hapsburg, whilst
hunting one day, observed a priest carrying
the Viaticum to the sick, whereupon he
immediately alighted, and insisted on the
priest mounting in his place. The offer
was accepted and the priest, having gone
through his sacred and pastoral duties, re-
turned the animal to the count with many
marks of gratitude. Yet this noble and
Christian Count could not be prevailed
upon to receive it back again. "No," said
he, "keep it, for I am not worthy to ride
upon a horse which has borne my Lord."
The well-loved ruler Charles II, King of
Spain, on January 20, 1685, was riding in
his royal coach beyond the limits of Madrid
when his attention was attracted by a priest
clothed in a surplice. The fact that he
was accompanied only by the sexton, who
456 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
carried a small lantern, led the king to
doubt whether the Blessed Sacrament or
only the Holy Oils were being conveyed to
the sick person. He, therefore, bowing his
head respectfully, inquired, from his car-
riage, whether the Reverend Father was
bearing the Holy Viaticum. No sooner did
he learn that such was the case, than he
quickly alighted and rendered humble ado-
ration to the King of kings.
When he had adored his Lord and God,
the king arose and saluted the priest. He
urged him to enter his carriage, and when
he had assisted him to his own seat, he
closed the door. Then giving the postilion
a sign to drive on, he himself assumed the
role of servant, placing his right hand on
the coach and carrying his hat in the left.
So they moved onward, King Charles walk-
ing the entire distance with head uncovered.
Upon their arrival at the poor man's
cottage, the King assisted the priest to
alight, and again paid his adoration to the
Blessed Sacrament. He reverently followed
the minister of God into the sick-room and
devoutly assisted at the sacred ceremony.
At its conclusion, he approached the
patient and spoke words of sympathy and
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 457
consolation. Moreover, he bestowed on him
a royal alms and relieved the poor man's
anxiety regarding his daughter's future by
providing her with a suitable dowry. When
the priest was ready to leave, King Charles
urged him once more to occupy his own
carriage with the Blessed Sacrament. He
himself wished to return as he had come,
walking again as a servant. The entreaties
of his courtiers, however, urged him to con-
sider his declining strength and the rough-
ness of the road, and he consented to ride
in another carriage.
The news of this noble deed spread like
lightning and crowds gathered from all
sides. They praised their King openly and,
following his example, united with him in
his profound homage and adoration to the
Blessed Sacrament. The procession ar-
rived at length before the church of St.
Mark,, and the King hastened forward,
eager to be the first to assist the priest to
alight. At the head of the assembled mul-
titude he then followed the bearer of the
Divine Mysteries into the church, where
all received the Benediction, and then,
amid the acclamations of his people, the,
royal worshipper returned to his palace.
458 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
Reflection
As all the Sacraments of the New Law
confer grace on the recipients it is evident
that some fruit is always garnered by those
who approach worthily the most Holy
Sacrament of the Eucharist. But to ob-
tain a great abundance of grace from the
reception of this wonderful sacrament, great
preparation is necessary and desirable on the
part of the recipient. All the sacraments
are the overflowing fountains of Christ's
goodness, from which we draw the purest
waters of Divine Grace. The Eucharist is
especially a perennial fountain of heavenly
purity and grace; but as he who has the
largest vessel draws the most water from
a fountain, so he that has the best disposi-
tions in receiving the most Holy Sacrament
of the Eucharist draws the greatest abun-
dance of grace. The words of the Prophet
Isaias express minutely the dispositions we
should have in coming to Holy Communion.
"When one is about to depart from this
world, three things arise before his mind,
namely, death, judgment, and Paradise:
death, which he knows is the passage to the
next world; judgment, which he hopes will
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 459
be favorable; and Paradise, which he longs
to obtain. Now, all these wishes, conceived
as death approaches, will be vain and empty
unless he puts his house in order and pre-
pares himself properly. The same good
dispositions should possess the heart of every
communicant. Each one should, therefore,
before partaking of the Eucharistic Bread,
be actuated as if he were about to depart
from this life, as if he were to stand immedi-
ately at the tribunal of justice, as if in fact
he were deemed worthy this moment to enter
the kingdom of heaven."
jFtfttetf) Eea&mg and Inflection
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
S regards care and reverence towards the
±\. altar we have several beautiful examples
in the lives of the Dominican saints among
the Sisters. Teresa de la Cerda, who made
her profession in the Convent of Jaen A.D.
1508, had a favorite statue of the Infant
Jesus, and was fond of making little dresses
for it and ornaments for its altar. One day,
whilst busy in this way, she heard a voice
which said, " Teresa, you do much, and take
great pains for the painted figure of Jesus,
but nothing for the living Jesus which
words she understood refer to the Blessed
Sacrament. Thenceforth she entirely de-
voted herself to working for our Lord in His
veiled presence on the altar and is said to
have made a tabernacle, which was one of the
Legenda
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 461
most beautiful in Spain. She had the care
I of washing the corporals, a duty which she
1 discharged with such devotion that it was her
custom never to stir from the place where they
were hung to dry, until they were removed,
li in order that she might prevent the flies from
settling on them; and this act of reverence
1 was so pleasing to our Lord that He allowed
her once to see Him in the form of a beauti-
ful Infant lying on the corporal and folding
round Him.
Mary of Jesus was another whose love
manifested itself in a special care and rever-
ence for the altar. Whilst still in the world
she would take upon herself the charge of
washing all the altar linen and keeping the
altar clean and decent. In the village where
her husband's country house was situated,
the Blessed Sacrament was left without any
i lamp, a neglect which sensibly afflicted her
and which she was not slow to remedy.
She provided a lamp and every evening
brought the oil and trimmed it herself, and
was often overheard exclaiming as she did so :
"Oh that my blood could serve instead of
oil for Thy lamp, my God. How gladly
! would I give it!"
We read of the singular devotion with
462 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
which Blessed John Massias (1645), one of the
beatified Dominican lay-brothers, served
Mass and adorned the church for solemn
feasts. His moments of recreation were those
spent in the discharge of his duties as assistant
sacristan. Corpus Christi was the great
day, when he delighted with all the simplicity
of a child in devising new ways of decorating
the church for the solemn procession of the
Most Holy Sacrament.
Whenever the Blessed Sacrament was
exposed, Dominica Torres (A.D. 1590) re-
mained on her knees before It during the
entire day, never stirring from the church and
spending the whole time of exposition without
rest or nourishment. Half of her life might
be said to have been spent in adoration, for
she watched before the altar during almost
the entire night. On one occasion a token
of the divine favor was given to Clare of
Jesus Christ during her solitary vigils; for,
finding the lamp extinguished, she complained
tenderly to her Spouse, and on rising from her
prostration she found the light once more
burning brightly and steadily.
We have an account of one Friar who died
in his attempt to preserve the Blessed Sacra-
ment from fire. This was Alonso Gardes.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 463
The flames had attacked the cloister and
spread to the church, where Alfonso was
watching in prayer. He ran to call his
Brethren, but all had fled. He might have
escaped himself, but he could not resolve to
abandon our Lord; and, returning to the
church, he opened the tabernacle, took out
the ciborium, and placed it on his chest.
Then, carrying his precious burden, he once
more attempted to leave the church, but it
was too late; the fire was in possession of
the whole building and the falling roof buried
him beneath its ruins. One of his companions,
to whom he was very dear, was overwhelmed
with grief at a death which seemed so sad
and terrible; but one night, as he lay weeping
and praying for his soul, Alfonso appeared,
bright and beautiful, and stood by his bed-
side. "Is it you?" said his bewildered friend.
" Where are you living?" In " heaven,"
replied Alfonso; "it is now three days
since I was admitted to the beatific vision."
This was on the third day after the fire, so
the Friar knew that he had been received
into heaven on the very day of his decease.1
1 Dominican Lives: Drane.
464 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
Reflection
Christ teaches that the guest who comes
to the wedding-feast should take the lowest
place. St. Bonaventure explains this feast
mystically, while Venerable Bede discusses
the union which should exist between Christ
and the guest. As often as anyone ap-
proaches the Eucharistic Banquet, Christ
admonishes him to sit in the lowest place.
But we are liable to ask: why does Christ
order everyone to the lowest place at a
banquet when all men desire to be seated
in the chair of honor near the Master? St.
Bernardine interprets the meaning by say-
ing that the lowest place means death, and
he goes on to say that if we desire to receive
Holy Communion as our divine Lord wishes,
we should dispose ourselves for it as those
good souls do who are about to die. If
you knew that death was threatening you,
would you not regard the pleasures and
vanities of this world as nothing, would
you not flee from all occasions of sin, would
you not forgive your enemies from all your
heart, and restore ill-gotten goods? As you
would prepare yourself with the most pious
sentiments and sublime thoughts to die, so
FOR THE HOLY HOUR
465
you ought to dispose your heart to receive
within its confines that God of the Eucharist
who is to be your portion for all eternity.
At the sight of Thy Sacrament, 0 Jesus,
my heart melts with love and my whole
being humbles itself at Thy feet. Ah, I
understand better my nothingness, my vile-
ness; I understand at last all that Thou
art, O my God, and the little that I am.
Look upon me, 0 Lord, and have mercy
upon me. Bring down my pride that de-
stroys me and blinds me. Drive all disorder
from my mind, and fill my heart with humil-
ity and love. Let me know Thee, 0 Jesus,
in order to love Thee better; let me know
myself in order to humble myself more and
more.
jftft£5JFtrsft Keatimg anti l&eflectton
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Legenda
AMONG the survivors of the terrible
catastrophe that befell the island of
Martinique at the eruption of Mount Pelee,
May 8, 1902, were the sisters of the congre-
gation of De la Deliverande, twenty-three
in number. That Morne Rouge escaped
devastation, they attributed to divine inter-
vention, for, though their community was
nearest to the crater, yet it was the only
one within the zone of disaster that escaped
unharmed.
The election campaign was on for the
house of French deputies. The socialists
formed a strong majority in St. Pierre, and
about four hundred of them were in Morne
Rouge, near St. Pierre. They denounced
the Catholic Clergy and went so far as to
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 467
threaten the Sisters' lives. Night and day
they sang ribald campaign songs. St. Pierre
was placarded with blasphemous proclama-
tions. The blacks threatened to seize the
church and turn it into a theatre and the
cathedral of the city into a dance-hall.
Sister Mary of the Infant Jesus describes
the events thus: "We were in deadly fear
of our lives, and for two days and nights
stayed in the church of Notre Dame, in
Morne Rouge, praying. Early on the morn-
ing of May 8th, the mountain began to
rumble and to emit smoke. Father Marie
celebrated holy Mass at six o'clock; Father
Bruno at half past seven. Services were
hardly over before the good people of the
town began to flock in terror to the church.
The priest distributed Holy Communion
when suddenly there appeared before the
altar, our Savior, showing His Sacred Heart.
"The members of the congregation, kneel-
ing cried to one another, 'See the Sacred
Heart!' The vision was sad-faced and
wan. All that day of terror we remained
in prayer. Fire, steam, and boiling mud
were all around us, yet our place was un-
touched; not a person was lost or harmed."1
1 Tabernacle and Purgatory, Vol. 13.
468 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
In the writings of the saints we find
expressed most tender sentiments in honor
of the Holy Eucharist:
St. Ignatius of Antioch: "I desire not
perishable food: I crave for the Divine
Bread, the Bread of Heaven, the Bread of
Life, which is the flesh of Jesus Christ, the
Son of God ; I thirst for the divine Beverage,
His Blood which communicates undying
love, life eternal.' 9
St. Thomas of Aquin: "The Holy
Eucharist is perfect grace, for it contains
truly and substantially Christ, who is the
fullness of grace. "
St. Peter Canisius: "St. Augustine
teaches and admonishes all Christians to
avail themselves, at least every Sunday, of
this salutary remedy of Holy Communion,
providing they are of good will and do not
purposely persevere in sin and in sinful
resolutions."
St. Gregory Nazianzen: "By nourishing
His sheep with His Flesh after having
purchased them with His Blood, the Good
Shepherd truly gives His life for them.
Holy Eucharist is the expression of His
magnanimous generosity and His bound-
less Love."
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 469
St. Optatus of Milevis: "Can there be a
greater sacrilege than to overthrow the
altars of God, upon which the members of
Christ reposed? What else is the altar but
the throne of the Body and Blood of Christ."
St. Nicholas, Martyr of Gorkum: "I will
gladly give my life for the one, true, Cath-
olic faith, and above all for this truth, that
in the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar,
under the appearance of bread and wine,
Jesus Christ is truly present with Godhead
and perfect Manhood."
St. Gaudentius: "The Creator and Lord
of nature, who let bread grow from the
earth, changes the bread into His own
body because He has promised it and is
able to keep His promise; He who changed
the water into wine, now changes the wine
into His own blood."
Reflection
Our divine Master teaches us that the
Holy Eucharist was prefigured by the
manna. It has indeed striking analogies,
and it is evident that it infinitely surpasses
it in excellence.
The manna was given to the Jews without
their having done anything to deserve it, or
470 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
rather, at the very moment when they were
murmuring against Moses and against the
Lord.
Is not that goodness still more manifest
in the gift of the Holy Eucharist? What
had men done to merit this divine Good?
Was it not at the very time that the Jews
murmured against the true Moses that it
was promised? Was it not when they were
plotting against the life of the Divine Liber-
ator that it was given? Yes, the very night
when He was to be given up, Jesus Christ
made this offering to men, thus answering
the excess of their ingratitude by the great-
est miracle of His Love.
Moses called the manna the glory of God,
whose power and goodness it clearly mani-
fested, yet the Holy Eucharist merits that
name by a still greater title, for nowhere
are the divine attributes so manifest, and
nothing else procures so much glory to God.
The Holy Eucharist is, in reality, God^glori-
fying God.
The manna was also called the bread of
children. Now, the Holy Eucharist is in a
special manner the bread of the children of
God, bread given to them when they have
come forth from the bondage of sin, and
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 471
which is their food during their journey in
the desert of life.
Manna was to the Israelites their safety
and their strength, and, according to the
remark of Origen, they performed no exploit
of consequence before being fed by it, whilst
they won numberless victories after it.
The Holy Eucharist is the whole strength
of the Christian, who by it becomes om-
nipotent against the attacks of hell.
Hail, 0 divine Eucharistic bread of
heaven, manna given to the new people of
God; glory of the Lord, delicious food
after which I hunger!
0 Jesus, give me always of that Bread.
Grant that I may communicate with good
dispositions, and that, strengthened by that
food of the strong, I may deserve to partake
of it in heaven, where it is the source of
boundless happiness.
Srittv&ttonb Ifteabmg; anti l&eCltctton
THE REAL PRESENCE AS DIVINE PHYSICIAN
A Pastoral Letter
IN his Pastoral letter of June 22, 1823,
the Right Reverend Doctor Doyle of
Kildare, Ireland, writes as follows: "We
announce to you, my brethren, with great
joy a splendid miracle which the Almighty
has wrought even in our days, at the present
time, and in the midst of ourselves. We
announce it to you with a heart filled with
gratitude to heaven, that you may unite
with us in thanksgiving to 'The Father of
mercies and the God of consolation/ Who
consoles us in every tribulation, and who
has even consoled us by restoring, mirac-
ulously, Miss Mary Lalor, to the perfect
use of her speech, of which for six years and
five months she had been totally deprived.' '
Here the Right Reverend Bishop refers to
a letter of the Very Reverend N. O'Connor,
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 473
Rector of the Parish of Maryborough.
This letter gives a detailed account of the
miracle as it occurred. It reads as follows:
Maryborough, June 11, 1823.
"My Lord: In compliance with your
request I send you a statement of the
facts relative to Miss Lalor, which I have
heard from others and witnessed myself.
"I am now in the house where she was
deprived of her speech. She is at present
in the eighteenth year of her age, and as
she is connected with one of the most re-
spectable Catholic families in this county,
and has had frequent intercourse with them,
her privation of speech during six years and
five months is established beyond contra-
diction. Her hearing and understanding
remained unimpaired, and she was accus^-
tomed to carry a tablet and pencil to write
what she could not communicate by signs.
" Medical aid was tried by Doctor Ferris,
at Athy, and Surgeon Smith of Mountrath,
but without effect. The latter gentleman
(as a similar case never occurred in his prac-
tice) resolved to have it submitted to the
most eminent physicians in Dublin, eight of
whom were consulted; and the result was
474 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
that no hopes could be entertained for her
recovery. This decision was imparted by
Doctor Smith to her father, apart from Mrs.
and Miss Lalor, all of which circumstances
the doctor recollected on the 14th instant,
when he saw Miss Lalor and heard her case
was miraculous.
"You, my Lord, are already aware that,
according to your directions, written to me
on the first of June, I waited on Mr. Lalor
and communicated to him and to his family
all that you desired. They observed it
with exactness; and on the morning of the
10th instant, Miss Lalor having confessed
to me by signs, and disposed herself for
receiving the Holy Communion, I read to
her again your Lordship's letter, the direc-
tions of the Prince of Hohenlohe, namely,
that she should excite within her a sincere
repentance, and a firm resolution to obey
God's commandments, a lively faith, and
an unbounded confidence in His Mercy, an
entire conformity to His Holy Will, and a
disinterested love for Him.
"I had previously requested the clergy
of this district to offer up for Miss Lalor
the holy Sacrifice of Mass, at twelve minutes
before eight o'clock on the morning of the
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 475
10th, keeping the matter a secret from
almost all others, as you had recommended.
However, as it became known to some, a
considerable number collected in the chapel,
when my two coadjutors, with myself,
began Mass at the hour appointed. I
offered the Holy Sacrifice in the name of
the Church. I besought the Lord to over-
look my own unworthiness and regard only
Jesus Christ, the great High Priest and
Victim, Who offers Himself in the Mass to
His Eternal Father, for the living and the
dead. I implored the Mother of God, all
the angels and saints, and particularly St.
John Nepomucene. I administered the Sac-
rament to the young lady, at the usual
time, when instantly she heard, as it were,
a voice distinctly saying to her, 'Mary, you
are well/ when instantly she exclaimed, 'O
Lord, am I ? ' and, overwhelmed with devo-
tion, fell prostrate on her face. She con-
tinued in this posture for a considerable
time, whilst I hastened to conclude the
Mass, but was immediately interrupted in
my thanksgiving by the mother of the
child pressing her to speak.
"When at length she was satisfied in
pouring out her heart to the Lord, she took
476 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
her mother by the hand, and said to her,
'Dear mother/ upon which Mrs. Lalor
called the clerk and sent for me, as I had
retired to avoid the interruption, and on
coming where the young lady was, I found
her speaking in an agreeable, clear, and
distinct voice, such as neither she nor her
mother could recognize as her own.
"Thus, my Lord, in obedience to your
commands, I have given you a simple
statement of facts, without adding to or
distorting what I have seen and heard, the
truth of which their very publicity places
beyond all doubt, and which numberless
witnesses as well as myself could attest by
the most solemn appeal to heaven. I can-
not forbear remarking to your Lordship
how our Lord confirms the doctrine of His
Church and His own presence upon our
altars, by the same miracles to which He
referred the disciples of St. John, saying:
'Go, tell John the dumb speak/ etc., as a
proof that He was the Son of God who came
to save the world.
"I remain, Your Lordship's dutiful and
affectionate servant in Christ,
N. O'Connor."
"To the Right Rev. Dr. Doyle,
Old Derring, Carlow."
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 477
Reflection
"Now here is exhibited a prodigy/ ' con-
tinued the Right Reverend Bishop, " which
is only different in kind, but not inferior in
magnitude to the raising of the dead to life.
He who at the gate of Nairn put His hand
to the bier, and raised the widow's son to
life, and gave him to his mother, here He
spoke to the heart of a faithful servant,
loosed the tongue which infirmity had par-
alyzed, and restored a happy daughter to
the embraces of her parent. We ourselves
have participated in their joy, on conversing
as we have lately done with this favored
child of heaven.
" Exult then, dearly beloved brethren,
and rejoice that Almighty God has thus
visited you His people, reanimating your
faith, enlivening your hope, and exalting
your charity, consoling your sorrows, re-
lieving your distress, and healing your in-
firmities, preparing in your sight a table
against all who afflict you, and urging, by
these manifestations of His power and
goodness, to rely upon His Providence,
' Whereas He has care of you!'
"Our divine Savior continues to love men
478 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
with the greatest love, and gives them the
most certain and astonishing proofs of it,
deserving of all their admiration and grati-
tude. Does not the heart of Jesus burn
with the most lively, most amiable, most
merciful charity? There is not one creature
for whom that adorable Master is not a
guide, a friend, and a most loving and de-
voted Father!
" Jesus Christ in the most Blessed Sacra-
ment unceasingly gives His life for men.
During the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass He
prays for them to His heavenly Father,
from whom He asks pardon for sinners, by
showing Him His wounds still bleeding, and
which will not close.
"'The love of Jesus Christ for men/
says St. Bernard, 'led that sweet Savior
not only to sacrifice His life, but to give
Himself wholly to them as their food/
What a prodigy of tenderness!
" Jesus in this Sacrament loves men, and
proves it to them in the most admirable
way. He loves them all and calls them to
Him to assist them, to console them, to
instruct them, to heal them, to strengthen
them, to give them His Body and His Blood,
His merits, His graces, and His kingdom.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 479
"At the altar, as well as during the days
of His mortal life, He dries the tears of the
afflicted, He gives sight to the blind, hear-
ing to the deaf, speech to the dumb, health
to the sick, liberty to those who are the
slaves of sin and the devil. The God of the
Eucharist passes from age to age doing good.
"Jesus in the Host is only clemency and
goodness, He appearing to forget His jus-
tice, to remember nothing but His mercy.
He does not return contempt for contempt,
indifference for indifference, for it is to the
tepid and to sinners, as well as to the fer-
vent and just, that He addresses these
words: 'Come to me all you that labor and
are heavy laden, and I will refresh you.'"
During this Holy Hour let us go to Jesus
as the Author of love. Let our hearts draw
near to His, so that He may warm them
with the same fire. It is by 'coming to visit
the Holy Sacrament that we come to par-
ticipate in His sentiments of tenderness,
sweetness, and zeal.
How happy should we be, 0 Jesus, could
we but make reparation to Thy glory by
our respect, by our zeal, aye even by the
shedding of our blood. At least, most
adorable Savior, grant us the grace to love
480 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
Thee in the most Holy Sacrament of the
altar, with the most tender, the most gen-
erous, the most perfect and the most con-
stant love.
"Very Bread! Good Shepherd tend us,
Jesu, of Thy love befriend us.
Thou refresh us, Thou defend us,
Thine eternal Goodness send us,
In the Land of Life to see,
Thou Who all things canst and knowest,
W^ho on earth such Food bestowest,
Grant us with Thy saints, though lowest,
Fellow heirs and guests to be."
ptaper for a l^appp Deat&
(Cardinal Newman)
flDfi, mv iLorU anb &abior, support me in
tfiat fiour in tfie strong arms of W&y &acra*
ments. ana bv tfie frrsfi fragrance of tlTfip
consolations. Eet tfie absolving toorbS be
Sain ober me. anb tfie fiolg oil sign anb seal
me, anb 'ftfip obm Bob? be mv f oob, anb <&hv
IMoob my springing; anb let mv Stoeet
fi^otfier Sl^arp, breatb on me, anb mv &ngel
tofiisper peace to me, anb mv glorious Saints
. . . . smile upon me; tfiat in tfiem all. anb
tfirougfi tfiem all. 3 map receibe tfie gift of
perseberance, anb bie, as 3 besire to libe, in
<&hv faitfi. in ^fip Cfiurcfi. in <Wbv serbice,
anb in "Efip lobe. &men.
FOR THE HOLY HOUR 481
Solemn Ceremonies in connection with
the Holy Hour at Our Lady of Lourdes
Church, Paterson, N. J.
Program
1. Processional: Chancel choir and torch-
bearers.
2. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
and "O salutaris hostia."
3. Lights down (in body of church).
Torch-bearers advance to upper plat-
form of the altar and form semicircle.
All the sanctuary boys recite in a very
solemn manner, "Holy, holy, holy,"
three times, concluding with " Glory be
to the Father/' etc., and "Out of the
depths have I cried to Thee, 0 Lord/ ' etc.
4. Hymn, (lights up)
5. Petitions and prayer, (petitions to
the Blessed Sacrament which the va-
rious individuals had prepared during
the week and deposited on the side altar)
6. Hymn. •
7. Reading: any selection on the Holy
Eucharist.
8. Hymn, (after song; lights down)
9. Spiritual Communion: act of con-
trition; "O Lord, I am not worthy"
482 READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
(choir); "O Jesus, I believe that Thou
art present " (recited by the entire con-
gregation); the "Our Father and
Hail Mary/' chanted, (lights up, con-
gregation rises)
10. Hymn. "Holy God, we praise Thy
name." Lauda Sion. (little flower girls
strew flowers before the Blessed Sac-
rament.)
11. Reading: Miracles and Legends of the
Blessed Sacrament.
12. Hymn, (after song; lights down)
13. Litany: Litany for a Happy Death.
14. Hymn. Concluded by "Tantum
Ergo," Benediction and Laudate.
(lights)
The last Sunday of every month has been
set aside for the Holy Hour.
By keeping a watch near, the priest can
time himself.
A boy dressed in white is called the petition
bearer; he is flanked right and left by two
other boys. The flower girls enter at No. 9.
Organ chimes are successfully introduced
at No. 9, and during Benediction. The
Children of Mary and other church societies
are invited at times to act as a guard of
Honor during the Holy Hour.
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Treatment Date: Jan. 2006
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